A Registered Nurse’s (RN) job tasks vary and it requires focus, flexibility and multi-tasking abilities. A competent RN should be able to assess a patient’s health and care needs, create detailed nursing care plans and give sound instructions to patients about health management. They update attending physicians about patient symptoms, conditions and improvement. They also record patient medical histories. Some RNs also tackle administrative works like assigning duties to nursing aides and licensed practical nurses or LPNs.
Registered Nurse salaries depend on the RN’s education and previous job experience. Other factors may include the health care facility where the nurse is employed and the location of employment.
In the nursing field, Registered Nurses are the second highest paid with nurse practitioners topping the list. Like any other jobs, the wage range of a registered nurse is affected by different factors as mentioned.
Registered Nurse Salaries and Experience
An RN’s time on the job is an important factor in determining her salary. Entry level RNs get paid $20 to $25 an hour. Those with over twenty years of experience get paid an average of $35 an hour.
Registered Nurse Salaries and Education
Every year it seems the level of nursing education increases with every new medical procedures, technologies and medications being introduced. Because of this RNs are required keep up with continuing education which also helps increase an RN’s salary. registered nurses can also choose to specialize in some fields like midwifery or anesthesiology for a higher pay rate.
Registered Nurse Salaries and Geography
In the United States, demand for RNs is considerably high so basically nurses have the opportunity to be paid well anywhere. However, there just certain areas where RN salaries can be much higher compared to others. The State of California pays an average of $40 an hour to RNs (as of 2008). RNs in Iowa get paid the lowest at $24 an hour.
Registered Nurse Salaries and Industry Type
Medical and surgical hospitals provide the majority of jobs for RNs. Other employers are private practices, government facilities, schools, home health care and nursing care facilities. These employers pay well although RNs in the private sector get higher wages especially those employed in the video and motion picture industry.
Registered Nurse Salaries and Benefits
Aside from an RN’s salary, benefits complete the compensation package. These benefits include Social Security, bonuses, health care, disability insurance and paid time off. These benefits cover 30% of a registered nurse’s over all compensation.
More details about salaries for registered nurse can be found: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm
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