Registered Nurse Job Description: Qualifications and Responsibilities

How to Write a Registered Nurse Job Description

Finding the right nurse can make or break your care team. You’re not just hiring for clinical skills—you’re looking for someone who knows how to connect with patients, stay calm under pressure, and support their teammates when things get hectic. A strong Registered Nurse Job Description should reflect what day-to-day life is really like on your unit and what kind of nurse will thrive in it. Clarity helps you stand out, especially in today’s competitive hiring market.

What is a Registered Nurse / What does a Registered Nurse do?

A Registered Nurse (RN) plays a hands-on role in helping patients heal and stay healthy. They monitor symptoms, give medications, talk with families, and make sure care plans stay on track. You’ll find RNs everywhere—hospitals, clinics, schools, homes—working closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals. They often act as the first line of defense and the main point of contact for people going through some of the toughest moments of their lives.

The Importance of a Good Registered Nurse Job Description

A clear job description helps you:

• Attract licensed nurses with the right training and credentials
  
• Set honest expectations about shift types, workloads, and team structure
  
• Avoid mismatched applicants and speed up screening
  
• Show that your organization values its care staff

When there’s a shortage of qualified nurses, being specific and human in your job post helps you reach the right people faster.

Registered Nurse Job Description Template

Overview of the Role and the Team

As a Registered Nurse, you’ll be part of a team that’s focused on delivering safe, thoughtful, and timely care. You’ll assess patient needs, give medications and treatments, and work alongside other healthcare professionals to make sure each person gets what they need—whether that’s support during surgery recovery or help managing a chronic condition. Communication, trust, and attention to detail will be at the heart of your work.

Education & Training

You will need to be licensed as an RN in your state and have either an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Some teams may also look for added certifications like ACLS, PALS, or CCRN depending on the type of care being provided.

• Required: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); active RN license in your state
  
• Preferred: BSN; extra certifications like ACLS, PALS, or CCRN depending on the unit
  

Responsibilities and Duties

• Check in with patients, take vitals, and monitor changes in condition
  
• Follow physician orders to give medications, change dressings, and provide other treatments
  
• Talk with patients and families about what’s happening and what to expect
  
• Keep care plans up to date and coordinate with doctors, specialists, and case managers
  
• Document everything clearly in the electronic health record system
  

Skill Requirements

Technical Skills

• Comfortable using EHR systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner)
  
• Familiar with medical equipment like infusion pumps, oxygen therapy setups, etc.
  
• Understand standard care practices for infection control, med passes, and emergency response
  

Soft Skills

• Strong communicator—especially when emotions are running high
  
• Focused, organized, and good at handling competing priorities
  
• Kind but assertive when advocating for patients
  

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with telehealth or remote patient monitoring
  
• Fluency in more than one language
  
• Previous leadership, mentoring, or charge nurse responsibilities
  

Registered Nurse Salary & Benefits

In most areas of the U.S., RNs earn between $70,000 and $95,000 per year. Specialized roles, night shifts, or high-demand regions may offer $100,000 or more.

Here’s what many organizations offer:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage
  
• Paid time off, holidays, and sick leave
  
• Employer-matched 401(k) or pension contributions
  
• Tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness support
  
• Shift differentials, bonuses, or flexible scheduling options
  

Tailoring Your Registered Nurse Job Description
Depending on the unit or focus area, you can adjust your RN job post to match the setting:

• ICU Nurse – Manages high-acuity patients and critical conditions
  
• Pediatric Nurse – Works with children and teens in both inpatient and outpatient settings
  
• Oncology Nurse – Supports patients during cancer diagnosis and treatment
  
• Surgical Nurse – Preps patients for procedures and handles post-op care
  
• Home Health Nurse – Provides care for patients at home, often with chronic or long-term needs
  

Seniority Levels to Consider

• New Graduate RN – Just licensed, often placed in transition programs or mentorship tracks
  
• Staff RN – Works independently, manages a patient load, and reports to a charge nurse
  
• Charge Nurse or Supervisor – Oversees unit flow, helps staff, and steps in as needed
  
• Nurse Manager – Leads the department, handles staffing, budgets, and big-picture goals
  

Using Litespace for Your Resume Screening

Litespace helps you sort through RN resumes in less time, using filters that match exactly what your unit needs—like license status, certifications, or med-surg experience. It gives you a ranked list based on real data, so you’re not stuck scanning every file yourself.

Plus, it’s built to keep things fair. Litespace reduces unconscious bias and keeps your screening consistent—so the best nurses rise to the top.