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Registered nurse in pacu job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected registered nurse in pacu job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 195,400 new jobs for registered nurse in pacus are projected over the next decade.
Registered nurse in pacu salaries have increased 10% for registered nurse in pacus in the last 5 years.
There are over 1,633,544 registered nurse in pacus currently employed in the United States.
There are 507,239 active registered nurse in pacu job openings in the US.
The average registered nurse in pacu salary is $83,154.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,633,544 | 0.48% |
| 2020 | 1,600,831 | 0.48% |
| 2019 | 1,598,569 | 0.48% |
| 2018 | 1,582,317 | 0.48% |
| 2017 | 1,558,131 | 0.47% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $83,154 | $39.98 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $80,914 | $38.90 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $79,181 | $38.07 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $77,271 | $37.15 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $75,560 | $36.33 | +1.4% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 525 | 84% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1,099 | 82% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 713 | 82% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 585 | 79% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 1,038 | 78% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 739 | 77% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 579 | 77% |
| 8 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 15,668 | 75% |
| 9 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 516 | 74% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 4,848 | 71% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 2,224 | 71% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 712 | 68% |
| 13 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 1,314 | 63% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 3,493 | 62% |
| 15 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 360 | 62% |
| 16 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 6,251 | 60% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 4,464 | 60% |
| 18 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 3,913 | 59% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 2,132 | 59% |
| 20 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 1,705 | 57% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rockville | 12 | 18% | $99,927 |
| 2 | Round Rock | 17 | 14% | $82,737 |
| 3 | Tampa | 14 | 4% | $84,208 |
| 4 | Plano | 12 | 4% | $81,472 |
| 5 | Austin | 24 | 3% | $82,839 |
| 6 | Washington | 22 | 3% | $97,267 |
| 7 | Detroit | 20 | 3% | $84,929 |
| 8 | Boston | 17 | 3% | $111,833 |
| 9 | Baltimore | 16 | 3% | $100,569 |
| 10 | Tucson | 14 | 3% | $80,119 |
| 11 | Minneapolis | 13 | 3% | $92,302 |
| 12 | Cleveland | 12 | 3% | $86,796 |
| 13 | Miami | 12 | 3% | $85,681 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 15 | 2% | $69,587 |
| 15 | Denver | 12 | 2% | $73,473 |
| 16 | Houston | 28 | 1% | $82,709 |
| 17 | Los Angeles | 25 | 1% | $113,846 |
| 18 | Chicago | 18 | 1% | $96,785 |
| 19 | San Antonio | 16 | 1% | $83,293 |
| 20 | San Diego | 12 | 1% | $112,169 |
Molloy College
Hartwick College
Troy University
University of Wyoming
University of Maine
Francis Marion University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
California State University - Dominguez Hills
Stephen F Austin State University
Prairie View A & M University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Mars Hill University
New York University

Western Carolina University

Elmhurst University

Oakland University
Molloy College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Technological Proficiency, Cultural Competence, Focus on Preventive Care and Health Promotion, Interprofessional Collaboration.
Lorena Marra MS, FNP-C: The new nurse can maximize their salary potential by looking for facilities with a sign-on bonus. Many facilities offer a financial reward for a promise of employment for a short time. This serves not only the new nurse but also the facility. By providing a lucrative sign-on bonus, the facility can ensure that they will have a good nurse for a few years and this means their investment in training will not go by the wayside. The new nurse gets a large amount up-front to help with education costs or whatever they choose, and a guarantee of employment for that short time frame. It is a win-win.
Troy University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Kayla Jackson RN BSN: Salary potential varies depending on location, specialty and experience but a few ways to maximize your salary potential are: Consider pursuing further education which can include certifications in your field or area of expertise, an advanced degree, or specialized training. Gain experience. Seek out unique opportunities for professional growth so you can build an exceptional resume. This can position you for higher paying roles. Negotiate strategically-just as we advocate for our patients, we must be an advocate for ourselves. Do your research and know the standards where you are located, but also highlight the skill set you are bringing to the table and articulate how valuable you will be to their organization. Explore different employment settings. Nurses have so many opportunities in different fields, so explore what is out there and base your decision on who offers the best salary and benefits.
University of Wyoming
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS: In nursing, the ability to think critically within the clinical context, communication, and assessment skills will continue to be very important. You, as the nurse, are with the patient for more hours than any other provider. Your ability to look at the patient combined with your assessment, their current issues, their lab values, and clinical presentation will be the difference in their outcome. Once you put your pieces together, your ability to clearly communicate your findings with the providers will advocate for the patient and their care.
Jordan Porter DNP, APRN, FNP-BC: In this field, where the environment is constantly changing and the stakes are always high, it's critical for new nurses to prioritize emotional agility. What I mean by that is having the courage to face tough emotions, being curious about them rather than fearful, and treating yourself with compassion as you work through them. This isn't just about handling stress; it's about aligning these experiences with your core values and purpose. For example, Adam Grant in his book 'Hidden Potential' really hits the nail on the head. He talks about becoming a discomfort seeker, a relentless learner, and embracing imperfections along the way. These aren't just tips; they're necessary traits to navigate the complexities of healthcare with resilience and adaptability. I believe mastering this kind of emotional agility is as crucial as any clinical skill a nurse learns.
Francis Marion University
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
Deborah Hopla DNP, APRN-BC, FAANP, FAAN: The skills that will be vital in the next 3-5 years will be around technology. Utilization of telehealth will become more prevalent, and the ongoing development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will allow better algorithms and evidence-based treatment options for patients and providers.
Dr. Cindy Krentz DNP, RN, ACUE: Entering the nursing profession at present offers numerous advantages. Firstly, there's a widespread shortage of nurses nationwide, making nursing a highly sought-after career. With the aging population and retiring nurses, there's a pressing need for new nurses to fill these vacancies. Additionally, nursing offers diverse career paths, allowing individuals to transition between different specialties if desired. Moreover, the field boasts high earning potential, job stability, and flexibility in scheduling.
Dr. Cindy Krentz DNP, RN, ACUE: Nursing encompasses a wide range of specialties, from forensic and flight nursing to hospice care, hospital nursing, research, and public health nursing, among others. Regardless of the specific role, the fundamental task common to all nurses is assessment. This involves evaluating patients' physical, mental, and overall well-being. Physically, nurses conduct examinations, monitor vital signs, assess pain levels, and consider the broader context to provide comprehensive reports to healthcare providers. Given that nurses are present round-the-clock in hospitals, they play a crucial role in relaying their assessments to providers, who typically visit once or twice a day.
California State University - Dominguez Hills
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: It seems we are in a phase in healthcare where the use of technology is growing at a rapid pace. Having an open mind to accept and continue to build skills using new technologies will continue to be important factors for the future of nursing practice.
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: My advice to Registered Nurses entering the workforce is to be open to opportunities that may not be their first choice. This can mean a nursing position in a department or a shift they may not have considered but may lead to future opportunities for a more desirable shift, or an opportunity in their preferred specialty.
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: Nurses who have a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree often find there are more opportunities for employment for positions with higher salaries. An example of this is the Magnet designation for hospitals, which requires that at least 80% of their nursing positions be filled by BSN prepared RNs. These positions generally offer higher salaries than positions in sub-acute care settings and in home health.
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: Nursing offers many opportunities for a career and you never know what door will open for you in your calling to care. You should explore many possibilities and not limit yourself to any one particular area. It is also important to explore your future career and educational doors in the future.
Stephen F Austin State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Dr. Erin Bailey DNP, APRN, FNP-C: Empathy and grit. Nurses definitely need empathy to care for patients but COVID and the changes in the world have taught us that new nurses need grit and self-care. Burn-out is a real thing. Nurses need to think about and advocate for their own safety and health-mental and physical. Take a self-defense class and learn de-escalation tips. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not get trapped in a room by yourself with an aggressive agitate patient. Also, do not work seven 12 hour shifts in a row as a new nurse. It is not healthy for you. Find a nurse that you can decompress and debrief with. Most new nurses burn-out in less than 10 years. This is the key to longevity in this field and will allow you to increase your earning potential.
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: Daily, nurses with the health care team to manage and coordinate patient care which include physical assessments-assessing, observing, and evaluating the patient's response to care, administering medication and treatments, assisting with procedures, and providing health education to patients and their families. Additionally, nurses often supervise other unlicensed health care team members including licensed vocational nurses, patient care technicians (PCTs) and nursing students.
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: The health care system is experiencing a shortage of health care providers including nurses. Between 2020 and 2030 the need for RNs is expected to grow by 9% yearly, making the profession on of the fastest growing in the health care sector. Nurses and the care they provide will always be in demand, whether you are employed in a hospital environment or other health care setting. Furthermore, the skills that you learn as a nurse are transferrable. Nurses not only work in hospitals, but they also work in variety of settings such as health educators in business, health insurance case managers, they work in STEM industries as computer software developers, in law offices, in the travel industries on cruise lines, school settings and are business owners.
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: I can't speak for everyone but what I like about being a nurse is the ability to connect one on one with the patient and their family. Patients allow us the privilege of providing care and comfort during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. It is the connection that we share that is the most rewarding. I believe that is this care and education that provides patients with the opportunity to make knowledgeable decisions about their health and well-being. What is most challenging about nursing is the increasing complexity of the patient care provide. Often patients enter the health care system later, having delayed care variety or reasons including lack of access, socio-economic challenges, unawareness, etc. This often increases the complexity of the care needed and nurses are required to have a broad knowledge of many things. I wouldn't say that they dislike the nursing profession, but the work is challenging.
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: Nursing is a good profession to enter for several reasons. It is a very demanding, yet very fulfilling career. Nurses get to have a direct impact on patient health outcomes. The demand for nurses is exceedingly high now. Our students are securing employment one or even two semesters before they graduate from the nursing program. Nursing is also a career path which is available everywhere so no matter where you go, you can have a job in nursing. There are diverse career opportunities in nursing, so jobs are available no matter a person's interests. Working as a nurse offers a lot of flexibility so nurses can work nights, full-time, part-time, or per diem. The high demand for nurses is driving competitive compensation and benefits packages. Many hospitals will assist students in paying off student loans in return for a work agreement. Finally, there is always room for professional growth. Continuing education opportunities abound and there is always the option to pursue an advanced degree or other specialized training.
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: Nurses spend their days or nights assisting clients and their loved ones on their healthcare journeys. They possess a variety of tools and knowledge in which to do this. They assess and monitor patients, which is often a very dynamic process. They are trained to provide emergency response treatment. They administer medications and perform various aspects of patient care. They provide education to patients and loved ones and advocate for patients' rights and needs. Nurses maintained detailed documentation on all information pertaining to patients. They also work closely as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Finally, they also maintain their own professional development as changes in healthcare are frequent and/or they are interested in pursuing advanced degrees or certifications. Nurses work tirelessly to promote positive patient outcomes
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: I think the biggest thing people like about nursing is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others which is highly rewarding. Job stability in the field as well as variety and flexibility are also viewed as favorable. Nurses can also have a high degree of autonomy in their practice allowing them to make clinical decisions. Finally, there are always opportunities for leadership advancement and a large variety of advanced education that can be obtained in the field. Some of the things people dislike about being a nurse are the high workloads and emotional stress that often come with the job. There is also often a lack of recognition and support for nurses. The tasks of nursing can also be physically demanding, and nurses must be careful not to accidentally injury themselves on the job. Administrative burdens such as documenting can reduce the amount of time a nurse can spend on direct patient care and may cause frustration for some nurses. Overall though, I think the positive aspects of being a nurse far outweigh the negative ones.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE: Some of the most important skills to hone over the next three years is communication, time management, and self-care.
Communication is important because nursing is a team sport. If you need help, ask early. If you see a change in your patient that worries you, ask someone to weigh in. Communicate clearly with other nursing colleagues.
Time management is an important skill to learn but takes practice. Time management is a combination of knowing how long tasks should take and what happens when priorities shift.
Self-care is needed to learn to balance your time away from work with time on the job to keep you whole in mind, body, and spirit.
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE: Obtaining a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing is the first step in advancing your salary potential if you decide on a career path of advanced practice or further graduate education.
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE: Nursing students who graduate from their program and then pass their NCLEX licensing exam are beginning their professional career. It takes time to gain experience. After you’re employed make connections with the nursing staff who work with you. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions or double check your math if you are giving a medication different than what’s ordered or available.
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC: In today's world, nurses must be well-versed in technology as we have seen a rise in telehealth due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The utilization of technology will also play a crucial role in effective communication that is easy to understand, succinct, and culturally appropriate when providing healthcare services and education. However, we must remember that we cannot rely solely on technology but remain focused on the human side of caring as nurses. Other pertinent skills that will become important would be empathy, conflict resolution, and adaptability in healthcare, as it is constantly changing. Having these skills can save a client's life.
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC: As a new graduate student, it can be overwhelming to start your professional career. My first piece of advice is to be kind to yourself. It takes time to master all the clinical skills and judgment you learned in school. Secondly, give yourself some grace when facing challenges in understanding why a client or healthcare team member is difficult. Remember that you will be caring for people during the most vulnerable times of their lives. Finally, prioritize self-care by taking the time to recharge. Providing the best care for your clients is essential, and you shouldn't feel guilty about it. I always tell the students," Always remember to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others."
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC: One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to seize every opportunity that comes your way. Get involved in committee work, volunteer your time, and mentor those who are following in your footsteps. Don't limit your education to just a BSN or MSN degree; strive to obtain the highest degree possible. Lastly, join nursing organizations that align with your passions, and stay up-to-date with policy changes both locally and on a federal level. Remember, every policy impacts healthcare and nursing in many ways. Don't be afraid; we are the most trusted profession for a reason!
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: I encourage new graduate nurses to embrace their first role and lean into the opportunity they have to ask questions, ask for more time on certain skills or patients, and make connections with their RN colleagues to develop mentorship relationships. I also recommend that new graduate nurses create a community both within their clinical setting with fellow new grads, experienced nurses/mentors, and other healthcare team members, as well as at home create that same community to support them. The first few years of a new nurses career lays the foundation for the rest of their career, so it's important to give yourself grace as you learn & build your confidence. A final piece of advice is to prioritize your mental health and well-being. You can't take care of others if you neglect yourself so find ways to balance your needs with the demands of your job, family and other responsibilities. This will be so important throughout your entire career, not just at the beginning.
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: When you are first starting as a nurse, it will be important to find a role that fits best for you. This could be in terms of the facility, unit, leadership, etc. To increase your salary potential as a nurse, you can focus on earning specialty certification for your area of specialization. An example of this would be an emergency room nurse earning their Certified Emergency Nurse (CNE) or an ICU nurse earning their Critical Care Certified Nurse (CCRN). In order to take these specialty exams, you usually need 2+ years of bedside practice. I recommend taking those first two years of your career to focus on gaining confidence in the RN role. Additionally, nurses can also look at furthering their education, through earning a graduate degree in nursing, which opens up opportunities including education and leadership roles. Many MSN-prepared nurses also work bedside.
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: I think one of the most important and prevalent skills that will be prevalent in the next 3-5 years in nursing is the ability to communicate with patients in a therapeutic manner that supports trust and mutual respect. Additionally, a skill that will be vital to current and future nurses is the ability to provide individualized care. Our patient populations are increasingly complex and unique, and it will be important for health providers to care for all individuals based on their needs and where they are at the moment. Lastly, as we see the increase of technology and AI use in healthcare, we need to be technology proficient and confident, as well as flexible in the use of these tools to improve patient care.
Mars Hill University
Nursing Department
Clare Chambers: Skills that typically stand out on RN resumes include special certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Acute/Critical Care Nursing (CCRN). Managers also tend to pay attention to applicants who have volunteer experience or are members of nursing organizations within their educational programs or nationally. Other useful skills include any previous electronic medical record experience or working at the bedside previously as a certified nurse assistant if the nurse is newly licensed.
Clare Chambers: Soft skills are a critical part of any healthcare profession. The key skills for nurses specifically are leadership, interdisciplinary teamwork, intrinsic motivation, effective communication, excellent work ethic, and having a positive attitude. Emotional intelligence and empathy are also gaining more recognition as critical to long-term career success and effective patient care.
Clare Chambers: Technical skills are critical for safe and effective nursing care. Some essential skills include the ability to safely start an IV, give oral medications, administer subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, take vital signs, do a thorough head-to-toe assessment, chart effectively, and utilize emergency safety equipment. Hard skills, in addition to foundational skills required for every nursing job, are going to be tailored to the specific specialty chosen by each nurse and that area of practice.
Clare Chambers: There is a national nursing shortage. This has increased due to older nurses reaching retirement age along with the ongoing pandemic. Certain specialty certifications may increase a nurse's salary. Typically salaries are driven by years of experience, the geographical location, and any specific salary structures or scales that are implemented by the hospital system itself. Nurses who are newly hired are often able to secure sign-on bonuses, moving stipends, and increased hourly pay if they have previous experience in the specialty area in which they are applying. I would encourage any new nurses to reach out to experienced nurses in their community and do some research on what base pay rate they should expect, and meet with human resources to discuss benefits, especially continuing education, before signing any contracts.
Beth Latimer: Advocacy and leadership skills needed to advance health equity, Skills in collaboration, systems thinking and community building for advancing care excellence and reform, skills in creating healthy work environments, and innovation skills for reimagining new structures and access for improving health for populations and communities.

Western Carolina University
College of Health and Human Sciences
Terrica Durbin Ph.D.: Clinical skills specific to the nurse's setting, electronic recordkeeping, patient assessment, and prioritizing appropriate interventions.

Elmhurst University
Department of Nursing and Health Sciences
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: I believe organizations are looking for nurses who can articulate in their cover letter what made their education experience unique - specific nursing electives, possible travel abroad that would translate into cultural competence or portfolios that list specific course accomplishments if available.
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: The most important skill for new nursing graduates is critical thinking. You will be put into varying roles and assume different responsibilities. You must critically think and evaluate situations you find yourself in and make wise nursing decisions. Another important skill that we emphasize in education is communication - this is key to safe, quality care.
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: New nurses should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in basic nursing care and procedures. It is important to realize that each hospital has its own policy and procedure to follow, so taking advantage of your nurse preceptor and orientation program will ensure you are familiar with these basic procedures.

Kristen Munyan: I don't know that the nursing profession is at a point where we can predict the impact of COVID-19 on our job market yet. Right now we are still in extraordinarily high-demand, and hospitals continue to see COVID-19 related admissions that require high levels of nursing care. There have been discussions about how the pandemic will impact interest in the profession going forward, the retirement plans of existing nurses and graduate school enrollments. This is all still developing. Nursing is still responding to the immediate demands of the pandemic.
In my opinion, I think that the pandemic has reinforced the positive image of nurses on a national stage. In 2020, hospital-based nurses carried the burden of surging COVID-19 admissions, created care innovations to improve patient outcomes and worked tirelessly to save lives. In 2021, community-based nurses are leading us out of this dark time by organizing and running vaccine clinics and educating the public. I believe we will continue to see a high demand for nursing professionals in all-settings, and in nurses going back for advanced degrees that allow them advanced practice roles.
Kristen Munyan: Nursing continues to offer one of the best paying entry-level salaries for college graduates. There is some variation in salary dependent on geographic region, shift worked (midnights vs days, etc.) and specialty, but nurses generally command competitive pay. What we have seen become a trend now is that nurses who have worked for a few years are being offered the ability to travel to areas where there are shortages of nurses. These positions are generally temporary and pay premium rates. Nurses with critical care experience are particular in-demand for traveling positions since the pandemic.
Kristen Munyan: By far the most important skill is the ability to think critically and identify safety concerns for the patient. Nursing is often thought of as being skill-focused. Our skills are vital, but they are much quicker to develop and refine than the cognitive aspect of our work. A graduate nurse who has a well-developed ability to see the patient's "big picture" will be far more effective than someone who has focused only on skills development. A graduate who can think in a critical way can coordinate the many disciplines involved in a patient's care, connect the details, provide education and keep the patient safe. Nursing is far more than just physical skills.