Registered Nurse

æłšć†ŒæŠ€ćŁ«

Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide emotional support.

$86,070
Median Salary
6%
Growth Rate
8%
AI Risk
Bachelor's Degree
Education

💰 Salary Range

$55,000$86,070 median$132,000

📈 Growth Outlook

moderate — 6% projected growth

đŸ€– AI Automation Risk

Very Low

This career is highly resistant to AI automation.

🌅 A Day in the Life

You arrive for your 12-hour shift and get report from the outgoing nurse on your four to six patients. The morning is a whirlwind — administering medications, checking vital signs, hanging IV drips, and documenting everything in the electronic health record (Epic or Cerner). You coordinate with doctors during rounds, advocate for a patient who needs a different pain management plan, and comfort a nervous family before their loved one's procedure. Between charting and responding to call lights, you might start an IV, change a wound dressing, or help a patient walk for the first time after surgery.

🌟 Why It's Promising

Healthcare is recession-proof. Nursing offers job security, good pay, and the ability to make a direct impact on people's lives.

🚀 How to Get Started

Take AP Biology and AP Chemistry. Volunteer at hospitals. Consider BSN programs.

🎯 Who Is It For

You're compassionate, detail-oriented, and thrive in fast-paced environments.

📚 Recommended AP Courses

essential
AP Biology

Important for Registered Nurse career path.

recommended
AP Chemistry

Important for Registered Nurse career path.

helpful
AP Psychology

Important for Registered Nurse career path.

🎓 Recommended Majors

Nursing (BSN)Pre-NursingHealth Sciences

đŸ« Top Schools

Johns HopkinsDukeUPennUCSFEmory

đŸ‘€ Real-World Success Story

“Mary Eliza Mahoney became the first Black professional nurse in the U.S. in 1879. More recently, nurse practitioner Dr. Sophia Thomas served as president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and advocated for expanding NP scope of practice nationwide.”

💡 Can You Start Your Own Business?

Become a nurse practitioner and open an independent primary care clinic — over half of U.S. states now grant NPs full practice authority. You can also start a nurse staffing agency, a telehealth nursing service, or a health coaching business. Nursing expertise combined with business skills creates multiple paths to entrepreneurship with built-in demand.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse make?

The median salary for a Registered Nurse is $86,070 per year. Salaries range from $55,000 to $132,000 depending on experience, location, and specialization.

What AP courses should I take to become a Registered Nurse?

Take AP Biology and AP Chemistry. Volunteer at hospitals. Consider BSN programs.

Is Registered Nurse a good career in 2026?

Healthcare is recession-proof. Nursing offers job security, good pay, and the ability to make a direct impact on people's lives.

Will AI replace Registered Nurses?

AI risk score: 8/100. This career is highly resistant to AI automation due to its need for human judgment, creativity, or physical presence.

Find Your Perfect Career Match

Interested in becoming a Registered Nurse? Download PathLeap for personalized career recommendations based on your interests and skills.

🚀 Join the Waitlist — Coming Soon