A general job description for all nurses would likely be the responsibility for the treatment and safety of ill or injured people, maintenance of healthy people, across a wide range of settings. However, there are numerous nursing careers, all with different job descriptions. A nurse may encounter different levels of acuteness, may or may not be involved in patient care, may work with many different types of physicians and specialists.

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A Nurse's Average Salary

Overall, nurses salaries are based on several factors including years of experience, level of education, geographical location, work setting and shifts.

A recent survey reveals among all participants, the average annual income is $45,500, up from $42,000.

According to Payscale.com, the median expected salary was highest among nursing directors or managers ($72,000) and nurse practitioners ($65,000). The expected median salary was lowest among nursing aides or orderlies at $17,630.

Job Outlook For Nurses

The job outlook for nurses is one of the highest of any career in the United States. There is a known nursing shortage in the US that has come about for several reasons, including the aging population of nurses and the aging population in general. A general shift toward healthcare services provided by skilled nurses rather than physicians has also helped increase the demand for nursing jobs.

The shortage for nurses with a bachelors of science degree in nursing is expected to grow to 600,000 in the next ten years. As the population continues to age, the demand for advanced and highly skilled nurses will grow more and more.

According to the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, the current total of RNs living and working in the US is 2,909,467. This is an 8 percent increase in the past four years.

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