Job Market

• RN positions are open for new graduates and experienced nurses in a variety of settings and specialties.
• Increasing inpatient days and ambulatory care delivery demand RN expertise.
• Heightened recognition of the RN role leads to expanding opportunities.

Salaries

Salaries are competitive with other professions and attracting more men and women into nursing. In the central Indiana area, a new graduate starts out at approximately $40,000-50,000 per year. Nationally, the average salary of an RN employed fulltime is $59,730. The nurse who works evenings, nights or weekends receives added compensation. Nurses choosing careers in advanced practice, administration, education and research may earn more, depending on the amount of responsibility associated with their role.

Qualifications

• Knowledgeable, articulate, competent, caring and compassionate
• Problem-solver, critical thinker, decision maker
• Responsible, accountable, and adaptable

Working Conditions - Working conditions have changed significantly in recent years. A variety of scheduling options are offered that are compatible in meeting the personal needs of the nurse and are dependent on the role and setting.

• Flexible work schedules, health, education, and retirement benefits
• Progressive health care environments
• State-of-the-art techology
• Potential exposure to hazards, i.e. drugs, physical injuries, infectious diseases, environmental

Physical And Psychological Demands

• Good health and stamina
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Developed coping skills; ability to work under pressure; adaptable to change

Health Resources and Services Administration (February 2007) The Registered Nurse Population: Findings from the March 2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses. Washington DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services