Healthcare
SOC 29-1141
Registered Nurse
License requirements, cost and salary by state
Registered Nurses assess patients, administer medications and treatments, coordinate care plans, and supervise LPNs and nursing assistants. They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, schools, and long-term care. Becoming an RN requires an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's (BSN) from a state-approved program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam; most states belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact, which lets a multistate license cover practice in other member states.
Requirements at a glance
Time to certify
2-4 years
Required exam
NCLEX-RN
Exam cost
$200
Education
Completion of a board-approved registered nursing program (ADN or BSN)
Renewal
Every 2 yrs
Annual openings
189,100
bolt
Popular Registered Nurse questions
The day-to-day
What it's actually like
A day-to-day reality check, grounded in current practitioner sources — not just the salary math.
Hours / week
36-40
Shifts: 8, 10, or 12 hours.
Weekends
rotation
Where you work: hospitals, ambulatory healthcare services, nursing and residential care facilities.
Physical demand
HighWork requires standing and walking for long periods, lifting and moving patients, and performing repetitive tasks.
Stress level
HighStress stems from high patient loads, complex medical situations, workplace hazards, and emotional strain from patient care.
A typical shift
- Receive handoff report from the previous shift on patient statuses and care plans.
- Assess patients by checking vital signs, observing conditions, and documenting medical histories and symptoms.
- Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians, including oral medications and IV drips.
- Update electronic health records with patient assessments, interventions, and responses to treatment.
- Collaborate with doctors, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care plans.
- Educate patients and their families on managing illnesses, injuries, and post-discharge care.
- Assist patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and repositioning as needed.
check_circle Best fit if
- —You are detail-oriented and can maintain focus in environments with frequent interruptions.
- —You can remain calm and make quick, logical decisions in high-pressure situations.
- —You have strong physical stamina and can be on your feet for 8-12 hours at a time.
- —You communicate clearly and compassionately with people from diverse backgrounds who are often in distress.
cancel Skip if
- —You require a predictable 9-to-5, Monday-Friday schedule with no weekend or holiday work.
- —You are easily distressed by exposure to bodily fluids, traumatic injuries, and disease.
- —You find it difficult to handle high levels of stress or to work in emotionally charged environments.
- —You are not prepared for a physically demanding job that involves frequent lifting, bending, and long periods of standing.
State by state
Registered Nurse by State
Licensing cost, reciprocity, and median pay across all 50 states.
| State | Licensing cost | Reciprocity | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $328 | Recognized | $77,080 | -21.0% |
| Alaska | $575 | Endorsement | $109,480 | +12.2% |
| Arizona | $350 | Recognized | $99,500 | +2.0% |
| Arkansas | $300 | Recognized | $78,940 | -19.1% |
| California | $500 | Endorsement | $140,270 | +43.8% |
| Colorado | $288 | Recognized | $100,260 | +2.8% |
| Connecticut | $380 | Recognized | $102,740 | +5.3% |
| Delaware | $381 | Recognized | $99,520 | +2.0% |
| District of Columbia | $437 | Endorsement | $102,540 | +5.1% |
| Florida | $310 | Recognized | $84,190 | -13.7% |
| Georgia | $240 | Recognized | $93,550 | -4.1% |
| Hawaii | $240 | Endorsement | $136,320 | +39.7% |
| Idaho | $302 | Recognized | $92,460 | -5.2% |
| Illinois | $307 | Endorsement | $95,990 | -1.6% |
| Indiana | $250 | Recognized | $83,500 | -14.4% |
| Iowa | $343 | Recognized | $78,630 | -19.4% |
| Kansas | $300 | Recognized | $79,320 | -18.7% |
| Kentucky | $325 | Recognized | $81,040 | -16.9% |
| Louisiana | $300 | Recognized | $80,230 | -17.8% |
| Maine | $275 | Recognized | $86,990 | -10.8% |
| Maryland | $387 | Recognized | $99,790 | +2.3% |
| Massachusetts | $430 | Endorsement | $104,550 | +7.2% |
| Michigan | $413 | Endorsement | $94,300 | -3.3% |
| Minnesota | $305 | Endorsement | $101,510 | +4.1% |
| Mississippi | $300 | Recognized | $77,090 | -21.0% |
| Missouri | $200 | Recognized | $81,780 | -16.2% |
| Montana | $300 | Recognized | $85,280 | -12.6% |
| Nebraska | $323 | Recognized | $84,730 | -13.1% |
| Nevada | $300 | Endorsement | $103,670 | +6.3% |
| New Hampshire | $348 | Recognized | $99,700 | +2.2% |
| New Jersey | $275 | Recognized | $106,500 | +9.2% |
| New Mexico | $350 | Recognized | $94,340 | -3.3% |
| New York | $343 | Endorsement | $109,440 | +12.2% |
| North Carolina | $275 | Recognized | $84,350 | -13.5% |
| North Dakota | $325 | Recognized | $80,730 | -17.2% |
| Ohio | $275 | Recognized | $82,510 | -15.4% |
| Oklahoma | $285 | Recognized | $82,920 | -15.0% |
| Oregon | $360 | Endorsement | $129,010 | +32.3% |
| Pennsylvania | $295 | Recognized | $96,430 | -1.1% |
| Rhode Island | $335 | Recognized | $100,640 | +3.2% |
| South Carolina | $290 | Recognized | $82,360 | -15.6% |
| South Dakota | $300 | Recognized | $78,060 | -20.0% |
| Tennessee | $300 | Recognized | $81,500 | -16.5% |
| Texas | $275 | Recognized | $95,970 | -1.6% |
| Utah | $260 | Recognized | $84,600 | -13.3% |
| Vermont | $275 | Recognized | $97,460 | -0.1% |
| Virginia | $390 | Recognized | $93,600 | -4.0% |
| Washington | $338 | Recognized | $124,200 | +27.3% |
| West Virginia | $270 | Recognized | $80,130 | -17.9% |
| Wisconsin | $257 | Recognized | $95,530 | -2.1% |
| Wyoming | $330 | Recognized | $83,760 | -14.1% |
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