Like many other healthcare professionals, registered nurses play significant roles in the health and well-being of people. Registered nurses can choose from a wide variety of places to work within the healthcare industry, including healthcare centers, hospitals, insurance companies, nursing care centers, and hospice homes. There are also options for remote nursing jobs.
Nurses take on many complex responsibilities, many of which require them to be on their feet all day. Although nurses are invaluable, the demands of a nursing career can be cushioned by high compensation. For this reason, we will discuss some of the best companies for registered nurses, along with the highest-paying registered nurses companies.
What Is a Registered Nurse?
A registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare worker who provides hands-on care for patients. The difference between a registered nurse and a licensed practical nurse is that registered nurses are certified to give direct patient care without a doctor being present. The pathway to becoming a registered nurse is also much more vigorous and in-depth.
How to Get a Registered Nurse Job
Whether you are fresh out of high school, college, or already a registered nurse, the steps to becoming a registered nurse are the same. After your certification, you can start looking for jobs.
- Get your nursing degree. There are two primary degree options for prospective registered nurses. These are a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Associate Degree in Nursing. The bachelor’s program is more competitive and attractive to employers.
- Take the NCLEX-RN. Even with your nursing degree, you can’t become a registered nurse if you do not pass the NCLEX-RN exam. NCLEX-RN is an acronym for National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses.
- Get a board certification. Registered nurses with board certification earn more than those without it. You can get a good job after taking the licensing exam, but you’ll find more opportunities with the board certification for nurses.
- Apply for Jobs. A registered nursing student may get a job before applying for board certifications, although the certification equips you for better opportunities. You can find nursing jobs on online platforms or apply locally through administrative channels.
- Keep Learning. A nurse with an active RN license needs to keep learning to stay efficient and up-to-date with the latest procedures. Some ways to do this are through journals, professional tests, and classes. In addition, registered nurses are required to renew their licenses, regularly.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Companies
| Company | Salary for Registered Nurses |
|---|---|
| Atrium Health | $140,088 |
| NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital | $100,296 |
| US Department of Veterans Affairs | $86,782 |
| Houston Methodist | $71,834 |
| Northside Hospital | $67,892 |
| Memorial Hermann Health System | $65,576 |
| Advocate Aurora Health | $64,730 |
| AMITA Health | $60,842 |
| SSM Health | $59,824 |
| Ascension | $56,082 |
Atrium Health
Atrium Health is a reputable provider of healthcare services in South Carolina and North Carolina, with headquarters in Charlotte. The company was founded in 1943 and has helped improve the well-being of millions of people. Atrium Health has several healthcare facilities under its wing, like hospitals, nursing homes, and physical and mental rehabilitation centers.
What Does Atrium Health Pay Its Registered Nurses?
Advanced registered nurses earn about $140,088, yearly. The salaries of registered nurses at Atrium Health significantly vary depending on clinical experience and place of assignment.
Atrium Health Reviews
One of the best benefits of working at Atrium Health as a registered nurse is the salary. They all get vision insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, and dental insurance. They also help nurses set up a 401k and offer paid vacation time every year.
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
If you want to work and live in a big city, you can apply for a job as a registered nurse at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, an ultra-modern facility designed in 1998. The hospital hires registered nurses in different departments to provide the highest level of care.
What Does NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Pay Its Registered Nurses?
According to Indeed, a registered nurse at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital gets an average of $100,296, annually. If you specialize in interventional radiology, you will earn about $109,256, while working as a delivery nurse-midwife pays up to $124,372, annually.
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Reviews
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is a healthcare provider that takes care of its staff. You can have a flexible schedule with amazing benefits packages. The management of NewYork-Presbyterian supports career advancement and growth.
US Department of Veterans Affairs
This is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States, with over 1,200 healthcare sites scattered across the nation. Nurses employed by the establishment provide direct care to sick and injured veterans on behalf of the United States government.
What Does the US Department of Veterans Affairs Pay Its Registered Nurses?
VA healthcare centers pay registered nurses an average annual salary of $86,782, with some nurses earning more than others. Nurses in administrative executive positions, such as legal nurse consultants, make an average of $133,626, per year.
US Department of Veterans Affairs Reviews
Most nurses at VA hospitals report a deep sense of fulfillment because they actively help veterans and get to work in a positive environment. The pay is good, and it comes with many other benefits like a pension, health insurance, and paid vacation time.
Houston Methodist
This non-profit organization provides healthcare services to people who can’t afford it in Houston and surrounding regions. The organization was founded in 1919 during an epidemic and originally functioned as a ministry for those were infected. It now has eight hospitals and has been named one of the best workplaces.
What Does Houston Methodist Pay Its Registered Nurses?
Houston Methodist pays registered nurses an average annual wage of $70,637. If you are certified in a particular specialization, your salary depends on your field and experience. For example, cardiac nurses get $83,915, yearly, while charge nurses get $71,479.
Houston Methodist Reviews
Houston Methodist is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment for its staff. They offer several benefits in addition to their base salaries. The culture and values also make it a great place to work.
Northside Hospital
Founded in 1970, this Atlanta-based hospital provides quality healthcare to the people in that region. Registered nurses at Northside Hospital are held in high esteem. Each nurse is assigned a group of patients and is responsible for managing their care.
What Does Northside Hospital Pay Its Registered Nurses?
The average pay for registered nurses at Northside Hospital is $67,892. Each nurse is required to negotiate their salary during the employment process. Nursing salaries are based on qualifications and years of experience.
Northside Hospital Reviews
Northside Hospital is a great place to work because it allows nurses to achieve a work-life balance. There is health insurance, dental insurance, wellness programs, vision insurance, and significant discounts for nurses who require medical intervention.
Memorial Hermann Health System
Memorial Hermann Health System is the largest non-profit medical organization in Texas. The company has been standing strong since 1907, with several healthcare centers across the state. Nurses can work in hospitals, cancer centers, heart centers, or rehabilitation centers, depending on preference and qualifications.
What Does Memorial Hermann Health System Pay Its Registered Nurses?
Memorial Hermann Health System pays registered nurses an average salary of $64,353, yearly. Advanced practical nurses earn up to $86,421, family nurse practitioners earn $148,000, and nurse directors earn $172,988.
Memorial Hermann Health System Reviews
Memorial Hermann Health System offers several benefits to nurses. Aside from health insurance and other common benefits, employees receive support from the organization to maintain their own wellbeing to administer the best of care to their patients.
Advocate Aurora Health
This healthcare establishment was developed in 1984 but has quickly grown to become the 12th largest non-profit healthcare organization in the United States. Registered nurses are employed to work in hospitals, emergency healthcare centers, nursing homes, and similar care centers.
What Does Advocate Aurora Health Pay Its Registered Nurses?
A registered nurse at Advocate Aurora Health earns an annual base salary of $64,585, yearly. They get bonuses and other benefits that vary depending on their position. Advanced practice registered nurses and family nurse practitioners are among the highest earners in the company.
Advocate Aurora Health Reviews
Advocate Aurora Health is one of the most diverse working environments for nurses, nurse educators, and doctors. Staff members are encouraged to collaborate regularly to ensure patients get the best care.
AMITA Health
With headquarters in Chicago, AMITA Health is one of the best non-profit organizations for registered nurses to work for. The faith-based health system was founded in 2015 but has quickly grown and built a reputation in the medical industry, since then.
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What Does AMITA Health Pay Its AMITA Health?
AMITA Health pays registered nursing professionals about $60,802, yearly, but it varies depending on their location, level of experience, and specialization. Clinical nurses earn about $72,644, while nursing directors make up to $143,383 every year.
AMITA Health Reviews
The compensation packages at AMITA Health come with several benefits. It also helps that the establishment has many locations in the United States, so it is easy to get transferred from one branch to another. Management and staff have an excellent reputation for working together to promote the best patient care.
Ascension
Ascension is a private, faith-based healthcare company that was founded in 1999. Ascension has the second-largest number of hospitals in the US, with over 151 locations. You can work in-person or choose a remote nurse option.
What Does Ascension Pay Its Registered Nurses?
Ascension Healthcare pays registered nurses about $57,077, yearly. If you are an advanced-practice registered nurse, you will earn an average of $101,803. If you’re starting as a traditional registered nurse, you can work your way up to more advanced nursing positions.
Ascension Reviews
Ascension is a great place to work, according to its employees. Most employees at Ascension commend the office environment. However, some employees felt it was too religious, as it is a Catholic organization.
SSM Health
SSM Health is a not-for-profit healthcare company with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. It was founded in 1999 and employs nurses in hospitals, outpatient care centers, pharmacies, and rehabilitation centers.
What Does SSM Health Pay Its Registered Nurses?
Registered nurses at SSM Health make an average of $56,203, yearly. The only nurses that earn over $100,000 at SSM Health are family nurse practitioners and nurse directors.
SSM Health Reviews
SSM Health management respects nurses, doctors, and all who work within the organization. It offers competitive benefits and lots of opportunities for career advancement.
Why You Should Become a Registered Nurse in 2023
You should become a registered nurse in 2023 because there is a huge demand for these medical professionals in the United States. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for registered nurses is projected to increase between 2020 and 2030. As a registered nurse, you will earn an average annual salary of $75,330, with plenty of career growth opportunities.
Best Companies for Registered Nurse FAQ
According to ZipRecruiter, the highest-earning registered nurses are nurse anesthetists who earn an average of $171,340, yearly. Salaries for nurse anesthetists could range from $96,500 to $206,500, depending on location and experience.
Qualified nurses can search nurse job boards like Nursejungle.com, CampusRN, Nurse.com, Onward Healthcare, NurseFinders, NursEmp, RN Wanted, and Ultimate Nurse.
Hospitals look for traits like compassion, patience, and perseverance in the nurses they hire. These vital qualities make it easy for experienced nurses to relate to people and provide for their needs, even when it is hard.
A nurse can work as a nutritionist, clinical social worker, pharmaceutical sales rep, medical biller, medical writer, and online health consultant. Having a nursing degree doesn’t restrict you from working as a nurse in a hospital.
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