Clinical Nurse Career Guide

Looking for a different career guide?

Overview

A Clinical Registered Nurse (RN) is a highly skilled healthcare professional who plays a critical role in patient care and treatment. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide direct care, administer medications, monitor patients' conditions and educate patients and their families about their health. Job functions in this specialty include assessing and documenting patients'

Education

To become a Clinical RN, you must complete a formal education program and obtain a nursing degree. The most common path is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which typically takes four years to complete. Nursing programs are offered by universities, colleges and vocational schools. Alternatively, you can pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing

A stethoscope held in one hand

Related certifications

To apply for a position as a Clinical RN, you must meet certain requirements. These typically include obtaining a valid RN license from the state in which you plan to practice. In addition to licensure, some employers may prefer or require certifications in specialized areas such as critical care, pediatric care or oncology. Certification can be obtained through professional organizations

State licenses process and requirements

All 50 states require state licensure to become a professional nurse. Review the step-by-step process to obtain or renew your RN license in each one.
Select
A stethoscope held in one hand

Skills

To succeed as a Staff or Travel Clinical RN, you need a combination of knowledge, hard and soft skills and abilities. A strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and medical terminology is essential. You must also have excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess patients, analyze data and make sound clinical judgments. Attention to detail, effective communication

Thousands of
healthcare jobs in
your pocket.

4.8

13.6k Ratings

4.4

1.5k Ratings

Responsibilities

Clinical RNs have a wide range of responsibilities related to patient care. They assess and monitor patients' conditions, administer medications and treatments, provide wound care, assist in diagnostic procedures and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans. They also educate patients and their families about managing their health conditions, provide emotional support and advocate for patients'

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
Clinical Nurse
$1,606-2,842/week

The average salary for a Clinical Nurse is $2,199.52 per week.

Last updated on November 22, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Becoming a Clinical RN offers numerous benefits and challenges. Some of the advantages of this profession include the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients' lives, a high demand for qualified nurses leading to job security, competitive salaries and various career advancement opportunities. As a Clinical RN, you have the chance to work in diverse healthcare settings such as

Was this page helpful?

Clinical Nurse Jobs


View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Clinic
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Clinic

  • Cleveland, OH
  • Planet Healthcare
  • 4x12 hrs, Days
  • Referral Bonus

$3,480/week

Posted Today
 Verified
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Clinic
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Clinic

  • Sitka, AK
  • ALOIS Healthcare
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$3,454/week

Posted Today
 Verified
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Clinic
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Clinic

  • Salinas, CA
  • Cross Country Nurses
  • 5x8 hrs, Days
  • Referral Bonus

$3,400/week

Estimated pay package
Posted Today
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Clinic
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Clinic

  • Sitka, AK
  • Planet Healthcare
  • 5x8 hrs
  • Referral Bonus

$3,360/week

Posted Today
 Verified

Get alerts about new jobs

Be the first to know about new jobs for Clinical Nurses.

Some of the content on this page was enhanced using artificial intelligence.

Join over 1 million healthcare workers that are getting a head start with Vivian.

Join Vivian
A group of healthcare professionals.