Nurse
Nurses assess patients, give treatments and medications, coordinate care and educate patients and families. All nursing roles require a state license.
What does a nurse do?
Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) care for patients in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools and homes. Experienced nurses also work in case management, telephone triage, education, quality review and occupational health. Many nurses later in their careers move into roles with fewer physical demands while staying in the field.
Typical responsibilities
- Assess patients and record health information
- Give medications and treatments
- Monitor patients and report changes
- Coordinate care with doctors and other staff
- Educate patients and families
- Supervise nursing assistants in some roles
Skills and qualifications
Useful skills
- Clinical knowledge and judgment
- Communication with patients and teams
- Attention to detail
- Staying calm under pressure
- Electronic health record systems
Common qualifications
- An approved nursing program: a diploma, associate degree or bachelor's degree for RNs, or a practical nursing program for LPNs/LVNs
- Passing the NCLEX exam and holding a state nursing license
- Licensure rules vary by state; many states participate in a multistate license compact
- Nurses returning after time away may need a refresher course to reactivate a license, depending on the state
Working conditions
- Where the work happens
- Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, home health and public health agencies. Hospital nursing often involves 12-hour shifts, nights, weekends and holidays.
- Physical demands
- Bedside nursing involves long hours on your feet and helping move patients. Case management, triage and education roles are usually less physical.
- Remote work
- Rare. Most of this work is done in person.
- Part-time work
- Sometimes available, depending on the employer. Part-time nursing jobs
- Pay
- Pay varies by employer and location, and we don't estimate it. Current listings that state pay show it on each job. For national figures, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (opens in a new tab).
How to get started
- If you are already a nurse, check your license status with your state board of nursing; requirements vary by state.
- If your license has lapsed, ask the board whether you need a refresher course or supervised clinical hours.
- Consider roles that match your current energy and interests, such as clinic work, school nursing, case management or telephone triage.
- If you are new to nursing, compare LPN and RN programs at community colleges, including prerequisites and clinical schedules.
- Look into per-diem or part-time positions for a flexible return.
Experience that transfers
- Healthcare support (CNA, medical assistant): Patient care experience provides a strong foundation for nursing school.
- Emergency medical services: Assessment and crisis skills transfer well.
- Military medical roles: Clinical training and discipline are valued, and some programs offer bridge options.
- Teaching: Patient education is a large part of nursing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I return to nursing after years away?
Often, yes. Start by checking your license status with your state board of nursing. If it has lapsed, many states require a refresher course or clinical hours before reactivation; requirements vary by state. Some employers offer transition programs for returning nurses.
Are there nursing jobs that are less physically demanding?
Yes. Case management, utilization review, telephone triage, school nursing, clinic work and nursing education generally involve less lifting than hospital bedside care. Some of these roles can be done partly or fully remotely, though they are less common than in-person positions.
Can I work as a nurse part-time after retiring?
Many nurses do. Per-diem, part-time and seasonal roles are available at hospitals, clinics, schools, vaccination programs and staffing agencies. Keep your license and continuing education current. If you receive Social Security before full retirement age, check how earnings may affect benefits on ssa.gov.