Become A Staff Nurse
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Staff Nurse
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment
Make Decisions
$76,060
Average Salary
What Does A Staff Nurse Do
How To Become A Staff Nurse
Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses also must be licensed.
EducationIn all nursing education programs, students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences, as well as in liberal arts. BSN programs typically take 4 years to complete; ADN and diploma programs usually take 2 to 3 years to complete. All programs include supervised clinical experience.
Bachelor’s degree programs usually include additional education in the physical and social sciences, communication, leadership, and critical thinking. These programs also offer more clinical experience in nonhospital settings. A bachelor’s degree or higher is often necessary for administrative positions, research, consulting, and teaching.
Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of education programs (bachelor’s, associate’s, or diploma) qualify for entry-level positions as a staff nurse. However, employers—particularly those in hospitals—may require a bachelor’s degree.
Many registered nurses with an ADN or diploma choose to go back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree through an RN-to-BSN program. There are also master’s degree programs in nursing, combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, and accelerated programs for those who wish to enter the nursing profession and already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement.
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) must earn a master’s degree in nursing and typically already have 1 or more years of work experience as an RN or in a related field. CNSs who conduct research typically need a doctoral degree.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsIn all states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, registered nurses must have a nursing license. To become licensed, nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Other requirements for licensing vary by state. Each state’s board of nursing can give details. For more information on the NCLEX-RN and a list of state boards of nursing, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Nurses may become certified through professional associations in specific areas, such as ambulatory care, gerontology, and pediatrics, among others. Although certification is usually voluntary, it demonstrates adherence to a higher standard, and some employers require it.
CNSs must satisfy additional state licensing requirements, such as earning specialty certifications. Contact state boards of nursing for specific requirements.
Important QualitiesCritical-thinking skills. Registered nurses must be able to assess changes in the health status of patients, including determining when to take corrective action and when to make referrals.
Communication skills. Registered nurses must be able to communicate effectively with patients in order to understand their concerns and assess their health conditions. Nurses need to explain instructions, such as how to take medication, clearly. They must be able to work in teams with other health professionals and communicate the patients’ needs.
Compassion. Registered nurses should be caring and empathetic when caring for patients.
Detail oriented. Registered nurses must be responsible and detail oriented because they must make sure that patients get the correct treatments and medicines at the right time.
Emotional stability. Registered nurses need emotional resilience and the ability to manage their emotions to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
Organizational skills. Nurses often work with multiple patients with various health needs. Organizational skills are critical to ensure that each patient is given appropriate care.
Physical stamina. Nurses should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as moving patients. They may be on their feet for most of their shift.
AdvancementMost registered nurses begin as staff nurses in hospitals or community health settings. With experience, good performance, and continuous education, they can move to other settings or be promoted to positions with more responsibility.
In management, nurses can advance from assistant clinical nurse manager, charge nurse, or head nurse to more senior-level administrative roles, such as assistant director or director of nursing, vice president of nursing, or chief nursing officer. Increasingly, management-level nursing positions are requiring a graduate degree in nursing or health services administration. Administrative positions require leadership, communication skills, negotiation skills, and good judgment.
Some nurses move into the business side of healthcare. Their nursing expertise and experience on a healthcare team equip them to manage ambulatory, acute, home-based, and chronic care businesses. Employers—including hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and managed care organizations, among others—need registered nurses for jobs in health planning and development, marketing, consulting, policy development, and quality assurance.
Some RNs choose to become nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners, which, along with clinical nurse specialists, are types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs may provide primary and specialty care, and in many states they may prescribe medications.
Other nurses work as postsecondary teachers in colleges and universities.
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Staff Nurse jobs
Staff Nurse Career Paths
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Staff Nurse 6.0 years
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Registered Nurse 5.7 years
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Registered Professional Nurse 5.2 years
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Relief Charge Nurse 4.6 years
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Staff Nurse For Emergency Department 4.5 years
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Registered Nurse Charge Nurse 4.4 years
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Nurse Clinician 4.3 years
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Head Nurse 4.1 years
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Emergency Department Registered Nurse 4.0 years
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Senior Registered Nurse 4.0 years
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Emergency Room Nurse 4.0 years
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Assistant Nurse Manager 3.5 years
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Trauma Nurse 3.5 years
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ICU Staff Nurse Staff 3.4 years
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Agency Nurse 3.4 years
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Clinic Registered Nurse 3.4 years
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Surgical Nurse 3.3 years
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Pediatric Nurse 3.2 years
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Medical Surgical Staff Nurse 3.2 years
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Nurse 3.1 years
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Practical Nurse 2.9 years
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Registered Nurse Med/Surg 2.7 years
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Progressive Care Nurse 2.7 years
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Telemetry Nurse 2.7 years
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Contractor-Registered Nurse 2.5 years
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Registered Nurse PRN 2.3 years
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Traveling Nurse 2.1 years
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Registered Nurse 37.8%
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Nurse 8.2%
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Traveling Nurse 3.5%
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Nurse Manager 3.4%
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Case Manager 3.1%
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Nursing Director 2.9%
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Home Health Nurse 2.5%
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Nurse Extern 2.5%
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School Nurse 1.9%
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Head Nurse 1.7%
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Office Nurse 1.6%
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Student Nurse 1.4%
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Clinical Instructor 1.4%
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Team Leader 1.4%
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Registered Nurse 33.0%
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Nurse 8.4%
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Nurse Manager 5.9%
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Case Manager 5.7%
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Nurse Practitioner 4.5%
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Nursing Director 4.1%
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Traveling Nurse 2.9%
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School Nurse 2.7%
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Home Health Nurse 2.4%
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Nurse Case Manager 2.4%
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Clinical Manager 2.2%
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Clinical Coordinator 2.2%
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Clinical Instructor 2.0%
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Nurse Educator 1.6%
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Team Leader 1.5%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Staff Nurse
Top Careers After Staff Nurse
Staff Nurse Demographics
Gender
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Female
86.4% -
Male
11.9% -
Unknown
1.7%
Ethnicity
-
White
81.7% -
Hispanic or Latino
9.1% -
Asian
6.9% -
Unknown
1.5% -
Black or African American
0.9%
Languages Spoken
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Spanish
61.8% -
French
7.4% -
Tagalog
3.2% -
Arabic
2.7% -
Mandarin
2.5% -
Chinese
2.5% -
Korean
2.3% -
Russian
2.1% -
German
2.1% -
Filipino
1.6% -
Portuguese
1.6% -
Hindi
1.5% -
Cantonese
1.5% -
Vietnamese
1.2% -
Italian
1.2% -
Japanese
1.2% -
Swedish
1.1% -
Urdu
1.0% -
Polish
0.9% -
Dakota
0.7%
Staff Nurse
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Staff Nurse Education
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University of Phoenix
18.3% -
Walden University
13.3% -
Grand Canyon University
9.3% -
Chamberlain College of Nursing
6.8% -
Indiana Wesleyan University
5.0% -
University of Texas at Arlington
4.3% -
Excelsior College
4.3% -
University of South Alabama
3.8% -
South University
3.6% -
Kaplan University
3.6% -
University of Alabama at Birmingham
3.4% -
Drexel University
3.2% -
Western Governors University
3.1% -
University of Cincinnati
2.8% -
University of Pennsylvania
2.7% -
Capella University
2.7% -
Saint Louis University-
2.6% -
Ohio University -
2.6% -
New York University
2.5% -
Liberty University
2.3% -
Nursing 83.3%
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Business 2.6%
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Nursing Science 2.1%
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Education 1.3%
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Management 0.8%
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Psychology 0.7%
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Public Health 0.7%
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Nursing Assistants 0.6%
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Clinical Psychology 0.6%
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Elementary Education 0.4%
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Biology 0.3%
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Liberal Arts 0.3%
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Law 0.3%
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Medical Technician 0.3%
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General Studies 0.3%
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Gerontology 0.2%
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Bachelors
32.4% -
Masters
27.8% -
Associate
20.3% -
Other
10.5% -
Doctorate
2.6% -
Certificate
2.5% -
Diploma
2.5% -
License
1.2%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Staff Nurse
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Staff Nurse Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Nurse II | Sutter Health East Bay Region | Berkeley, CA | Oct 24, 2011 | $145,631 |
| Staff Nurse IV | Stanford Hospital & Clinics | Stanford, CA | May 15, 2010 | $119,606 |
| Staff Nurse II | Sutter Health/California Pacific Medical Center | San Francisco, CA | Jun 02, 2010 | $111,968 |
| Staff Nurse | Westways Staffing Services | Pleasanton, CA | Aug 15, 2016 | $106,850 |
| Registered Nurse-Staff Nurse | Westways Staffing Services | Pleasanton, CA | Jan 08, 2016 | $106,850 |
| Staff Nurse | St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center | New York, NY | Nov 26, 2014 | $103,198 |
| Staff Nurse | St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center | New York, NY | Nov 26, 2015 | $103,198 |
| Staff Nurse | Mount Sinai Medical Center | New York, NY | Nov 26, 2015 | $103,198 |
| Staff Nurse I | Washington Hospital Healthcare System | Fremont, CA | Oct 12, 2010 | $102,993 |
| Staff Nurse I | Washington Hospital Healthcare System | Fremont, CA | Sep 20, 2010 | $102,993 |
| Staff Nurse I | Washington Hospital Healthcare System | Fremont, CA | Sep 22, 2010 | $102,993 |
| Staff Nurse I | Washington Hospital Healthcare System | Fremont, CA | Sep 28, 2010 | $102,993 |
| Staff Nurse I | Washington Hospital Healthcare System | Fremont, CA | Oct 05, 2010 | $102,993 |
| Staff Nurse | St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital | New York, NY | Nov 19, 2010 | $92,972 |
| Staff Nurse-Cardiothoraic and Respiratory | Westways Staffing Services | Orange, CA | Oct 01, 2015 | $92,061 |
| Staff Nurse | St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital | New York, NY | Nov 24, 2010 | $88,995 |
| Staff Nurse | St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center | New York, NY | Nov 25, 2012 | $75,229 |
| Staff Nurse | The Brooklyn Hospital | New York, NY | Oct 01, 2011 | $74,485 |
| Staff Nurse | Thomas Jefferson University Hospital | Philadelphia, PA | May 10, 2012 | $73,734 |
| Staff Nurse | Mercy Medical Center | Rockville Centre, NY | Nov 23, 2009 | $73,066 |
| Staff Nurse Practiotioner | Vericare Management Inc. | Garland, TX | Sep 19, 2013 | $68,579 |
| Staff Nurse | St. Luke's Episcopal Health System | Houston, TX | Jul 16, 2012 | $59,172 |
| Staff Nurse | Bexar County Hospital District | San Antonio, TX | Nov 02, 2015 | $58,332 - $63,862 |
| Staff Nurse | Deborah Heart and Lung Center | Browns Mills, NJ | Oct 06, 2010 | $56,099 |
| Staff Nurse | Bridgeway Care Center | Bridgewater, NJ | Oct 01, 2009 | $55,243 |
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Top Skills for A Staff Nurse
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Top Staff Nurse Skills
- Charge Nurse
- Emergency
- RN
- Act as charge nurse in the absence of the regular charge person.
- Staff RN in a busy 8 bed Level I Emergency Department staffed by 1 RN and a CNA
- Provide complex patient care to high risk and premature newborns affected with varied medical and surgical conditions.
- Developed knowledge and skill in various surgical specialties including Gynecologic, Orthopedic and General Surgery.
- Worked 2 years on a medical floor and ICU at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
Top Staff Nurse Employers
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