Registered Nurses
| Description |
OES Code: 32502 |
Administer nursing care to ill or injured persons. Licensing or registration required. Include administrative, public health, industrial, private duty, and surgical nurses.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$21.87 |
| 25th Percentile |
$23.59 |
| 50th Percentile |
$27.31 |
| 75th Percentile |
$32.29 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$22.44 |
| 25th Percentile |
$23.32 |
| 50th Percentile |
$25.40 |
| 75th Percentile |
$27.50 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
A nurse's schedule varies. Nurses may work a morning shift one week and a night the next. Some emergency room staff work 24-hour shifts twice a week, while others work three 12-hour shifts weekly. Clinic staff usually work a five day, 40-hour week. Fringe benefits may vary among employers. Most employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, health and retirement benefits, dental, and vision insurance.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
172,100 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
221,200 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
28.5% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
32,500 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
2,810 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
3,250 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
15.7% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
340 |
Employment Trends by California County
Working Conditions
Most hospitals are well lit, ventilated, and have good equipment. Conditions in some work areas may be crowded and noisy. Nursing involves prolonged standing, a lot of walking, some lifting, bending, stooping and reaching. Lifting or turning patients can cause back strain. Other dangers include cuts from instruments, and exposure to infection and communicable diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS. The pressure from working on a constant emergency basis can result in stress and tension.
Advancement
Experienced RNs may advance from bedside nursing to supervisory positions or clinical specialist positions, such as Critical Care Nurse. Those with bachelor's degrees may become nursing administrators, consultants, educators, or researchers. A growing number take special courses, often earning a master's degree, to become Nurse Practitioners.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Nursing school graduate placement services link RNs and Nurse Practitioners with jobs. They should also apply directly to hospitals, clinics and physicians. Nursing Associations and newspaper ads also have job leads. State, county, city, and federal personnel administration offices provide announcements of jobs and requirements.
For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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Two types of Registered Nurse training programs are available in California: two year community college associate degree programs and four year bachelor's degree programs. Both programs include clinical experience in one or more hospitals and clinics in addition to classroom instruction.
High school students should take chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, and other science and math courses to prepare for nursing school.
Skills & Other Requirements
Prospective nurses should exhibit leadership, self confidence, and emotional stability. Other needed traits are a pleasant personality, patience, and an ability to deal with people of all cultures and social levels. Although most tasks are not strenuous, nurses need physical stamina to perform their duties. They also need emotional stability to cope with human suffering and frequent emergencies.
References
California Occupational Guide: #29
Related Occupations: Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Respiratory Therapists
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP) |
