Registered nurse wages are steadily increasing due to the growing demand for nurses. There are several factors that affect registered nurse wages, including job location, hours, and responsibilities.
Locations that are short staffed or that are in less desirable worksites often have the highest registered nurse wages. The reason for this is to offer extra incentive so that their positions can be filled. Registered nurse salaries for jobs that are in favorable medical facilities are often more competitive and the wages offered do not have to be as high for the vacancy to be filled.
Nursing jobs that require unusual hours often have higher registered nurse wages. These jobs can be difficult positions to fill as well. This includes evening shifts, early morning shifts, and especially night shifts. Anything that varies from the typical American 9 to 5 work schedule may pay higher registered nurse salaries.
RN responsibilities and duties can also affect pay. The more responsibilities, generally the higher the registered nurse wages. Nurses who specialize in cardiology, anesthesiology, pediatrics, critical care (ICU, CCU, NICU) have larger registered nurse salaries. These specialty nursing positions require more training and knowledge for optimum patient care.
Registered nurse wages can be very high in the right conditions. Job location, hours, and responsibilities often reflect registered nurse salaries, so don’t choose a position based solely on pay: consider what will be required of you for the high registered nurse salaries.