If you’re wondering, “What does a registered nurse do?” You’ve come to the right place. In this profession, you’ll apply clinical knowledge, think on your feet as medical emergencies arise, and advocate for patients who need someone in their corner.
Nursing sits at this intersection of science and patient care, which makes it an especially rewarding career, as you often get to develop relationships with the client and their families. A typical day involves making rounds, which includes patient check-ins and health assessments. The physician or nurse practitioner places new orders for treatments or medications, which nurses then administer and document.
Registered nurses also follow established protocols, such as turning patients over or monitoring nursing assistants (CNAs) who assist with patient hygiene needs, including assistance with bathroom use and regular linen changes. They often coordinate care with other members of the healthcare team, including non-RN staff.
As more people explore nursing as a career, this guide walks you through what the work actually looks like, the different kinds of registered nurse jobs and nurse assistant roles, how to get there, and where the field is heading.
The role of a Registered Nurse
Registered nurses evaluate patient conditions, help design care plans, administer medications and treatments, track how patients respond, and collaborate across the healthcare team with nurse practitioners, physicians, respiratory therapists, and PT.
Part of registered nurse jobs involves educating patients and their families about important aspects of their care while maintaining accurate documentation in electronic health record (EHR) systems.
At times, you’ll need to respond quickly when a patient’s condition changes, making attention to detail essential, since subtle shifts in breathing, blood pressure, or behavior can indicate something more serious. The balance of these responsibilities varies depending on the workplace and area of specialization.
Education and licensing
Every RN must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to gain state licensure, which legally authorizes practice. Nursing education blends classroom learning in anatomy, pharmacology, and health assessment with clinical rotations that provide real-world patient care experience.
Most students choose between two main educational paths: the Associate Degree in Nursing or the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Both prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN and a career as a professional nurse, though they differ in length, depth, and opportunities for advancement.
Complete the RN Program at University of Bridgeport
Associate Degree in Nursing
The ADN takes about two years. Coursework often covers anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and patient health assessment, combined with supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings.
These experiences prepare students for the hands-on realities of patient care and help them build confidence in fast-paced clinical environments. The ADN is a popular choice if you want to start working sooner, and plenty of ADN-to-BSN bridge programs exist when you’re ready to level up.
Many graduates find rewarding employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics soon after completing their program. The healthcare facilities that employ ADN nurses often offer tuition reimbursement to employees who wish to receive more education or credentials.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) typically spans four years and digs deeper into leadership, public health, research, and community care, preparing you to take on bigger responsibilities.
More hospitals now favor BSN graduates for supervisory and specialty positions, and you’ll need a BSN to move into most graduate nursing programs.
The roles of LPN and CNA
There are a few credentials that are often mistaken for RN roles. While Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants play critical roles in patient care, they are not the same as registered nurses. LPNs administer basic medical care and monitor vital signs, while CNAs assist with daily activities like hygiene, feeding, and mobility.
Many aspiring RNs start as CNAs or LPNs to gain hands-on experience and develop strong patient-care instincts before entering an RN program. This foundation often makes clinical coursework and patient interaction more intuitive once they begin their nursing degree.
RN certifications and training
Once you are a licensed RN, you can earn specialty certifications (like CCRN, CPN, or OCN) that strengthen your expertise in a particular area and can boost both your resume and your paycheck.
Nursing never stops evolving, so you’ll keep learning through continuing education and workplace training to stay sharp on new protocols, equipment, and safety practices.
Pay and job outlook for RNs
There are 189,100 RN openings each year, as an aging population and rising rates of chronic illness mean the field is growing faster than many other professions.
The median annual wage for RNs is $93,600 annually, and the job sector growth is at 5%, which is faster than average, although wages do depend on role, regional variation, setting, and experience.
How industry and setting affect salary
Where you work matters: government positions and hospital roles typically pay more because of the complexity and stakes involved, while school nursing or community clinics may offer steadier schedules but lower wages.
Registered nurses employed in outpatient care centers, specialty hospitals, or private healthcare systems often see higher median earnings due to the advanced skills required in those environments.
Pursuing a specialty, such as critical care (ICU), operating room (OR), or nurse anesthesia, not only broadens your expertise but can significantly increase your earning potential.
Nurses with advanced degrees or certifications, such as a BSN or specialized credentials, also tend to qualify for leadership or management positions that come with higher pay. Geographic location plays a role, too; RNs in major metropolitan areas or regions with higher costs of living generally earn more than those in rural settings.
Find out what you can do with nursing at University of Bridgeport
Nursing is more than a career. It demands dedication, rigorous coursework, hands-on training, and continuous growth. In return, you get flexibility, job security, and the chance to make a tangible difference every shift.
At University of Bridgeport, our nursing program is built on a foundation of excellence. If you’re choosing a major, consider the length and cost of each program, the quality of clinical placements, and your long-term goals, such as earning a BSN or pursuing a graduate degree, to find the path that’s right for you.