California Nursing Schools, Programs and Degrees

Registered Nurse Employment

The best paying RN jobs are those offered by employment services followed closely by jobs in general medical and surgical hospitals. Home health care services, offices of physicians and nursing care facilities also offer good wages but not close to those offered by employment services and general medical and surgical hospitals. Registered nurses hold around 2.5 million jobs and about three out of five jobs are in hospitals. One in five registered nurses works part-time.

Many employers now offer incentives such as $5000 to $14000 sign-up bonuses for qualified, experienced registered nurses but even new graduates may be offered substantial incentives. The average annual salary of registered nurses is above $52,000 but in some parts of California they earn more than $70,000. Many employers offer flexible work schedules, childcare, educational benefits, and bonuses. Most nurses work in well-lighted, comfortable healthcare facilities. Home health and public health nurses travel to the patient home, schools, community centers, and other sites. Registered nurses may spend considerable time walking and standing.

Most registered nurse jobs are in hospitals, in inpatient and outpatient departments. Other registered nurses work in offices of physicians, nursing care facilities, home healthcare services, employment services, government agencies, outpatient care centers, social assistance agencies and educational services both public and private.

Patients in hospitals and nursing care facilities require 24-hour care therefore registered nurses in these institutions may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Registered nurses may also be on call meaning that they should be available to work on short notice. Office, occupational health, and public health nurses are more likely to work regular business hours.

Nursing has its hazards, especially in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and clinics, in all three of which nurses may care for individuals with infectious diseases. Registered nurses must observe rigid standardized guidelines to guard against disease and other dangers, such as those posed by radiation, accidental needle sticks, chemicals used to sterilize instruments, and anesthetics. In addition, they are vulnerable to back injury when moving patients, shocks from electrical equipment, and hazards posed by compressed gases.