Summary Guide forRegistered Nurses in California
May also be called: Nurse Practitioners; Clinical Nurse Specialists; Certified Nurse Midwives; Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists; Nurse Administrators; Nurse Supervisors; Nurse Educators; Staff Nurses; Charge Nurses
Specialties within this occupation include: Hospital Nurses; Critical Care Nurses; Emergency or Trauma Nurses; Operating Room Nurses; Pediatric Nurses; Psychiatric Nurses; Office Nurses; Home Health Care Nurses; Public Health Nurses; Addictions Nurses; Cardiac and Vascular Nurses; Gynecology Nurses; and Holistic Nurses.
What Would I Do?
Registered Nurses (RN) are the largest group among all the health care occupations. Most RNs work in acute care hospitals but some of them care for patients in private clinics or work in private homes. They evaluate patient’s health problems and needs and provide nursing care to ill, injured, convalescing, and/or disabled patients.
Nurses generally work in well-lit, comfortable health care facilities. They may work nights, weekends, holidays, per diem (per day), on call, or as a Travel Nurse. In addition, Nurses need the physical strength and stamina in order to lift or move patients and must be able to cope with human suffering and frequent emergencies.
Will This Job Fit Me?
The job of Registered Nurse will appeal to you if you enjoy activities that involve assisting others and promoting learning and personal development. This occupation satisfies those with social interests. Social occupations involve teaching, offering advice, helping, and being of service to people.
What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?
The median wage in 2009 for Registered Nurses in California was $82,535 annually, or $39.68 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.
Benefit packages vary among employers. Generally, RNs receive medical, dental, and retirement benefits. In addition, most employers provide vision, life, vacation, and sick leave to RNs that work full-time.
What is the Job Outlook?
In California, the number of Registered Nurses is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Registered Nurses are expected to increase by 25.0 percent, or 59,600 jobs between 2006 and 2016.
Estimated Employment and Projected Growth
Registered Nurses |
|---|
Geographic Area
(Estimated Year-Projected Year) | Estimated
Employment | Projected
Employment | Numeric
Change | Percent
Change | Additional Openings
Due to Net
Replacements |
|---|
California
(2006-2016) | 238,400 | 298,000 | 59,600 | 25.0 | 39,400 |
|
| View Projected Growth for All Areas |
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) reports that there are more than 330,000 Nurses and over 14,000 Nurse Practitioners with an active RN license. Despite this large number, shortages still exist and are expected to occur over the next ten years.
How Do I Qualify?
Registered Nurses must be licensed to practice in California by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). They have to meet educational requirements, pass a criminal background check, obtain a fingerprint clearance, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Finding a Job
Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods. Nursing schools graduate placement service links RNs and Nurse Practitioners to jobs. Newspaper ads also have job leads. State, county, city, and federal personnel administration offices provide announcements of jobs and requirements. Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBSSM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.
To find your nearest One-Stop Career Center, go to Service Locator. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. (requires Adobe Reader).
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