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Registered Nurse job description template

Registered nurses assess patients, give medications and treatments, and coordinate care with doctors and other staff. They also educate patients and families and act as their advocates throughout care. Copy this template, replace the bracketed parts, then run it through the free JD Analyzer.

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Registered Nurse

About the role

[Company Name] is hiring a Registered Nurse to provide safe, compassionate care to our patients. You will assess patients, administer medications and treatments, coordinate with physicians and the care team, and educate patients and families. We are looking for a nurse with strong clinical judgment who takes pride in patient advocacy and teamwork.

Responsibilities

  • Assess patients' physical and emotional condition and document findings
  • Develop and update nursing care plans
  • Administer medications, IV therapy, and treatments according to orders and policy
  • Monitor vital signs and recognize and escalate changes in condition
  • Coordinate care with physicians, therapists, and other team members
  • Educate patients and families about diagnoses, medications, and discharge plans
  • Maintain accurate, timely records in the electronic health record
  • Follow infection control and patient safety protocols
  • Supervise and delegate tasks to LPNs and nursing assistants as appropriate

Requirements

  • Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in [State] or a multistate compact license
  • Current BLS certification
  • Diploma, Associate Degree in Nursing, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program
  • Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
  • Clear, compassionate communication with patients, families, and colleagues
  • Experience with electronic health records or willingness to learn our system
  • Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the role, such as assisting patients with mobility, with or without reasonable accommodation

Nice to have

  • ACLS or PALS certification
  • Specialty certification relevant to the unit
  • Experience in [specialty] nursing
  • Bilingual skills matching the patient population

Pay

[Pay range] · [Benefits summary]

Pay transparency

Many states, including CA, CO, NY, WA, and IL, require a good-faith pay range in job postings, so check your state's rules and include a range and any shift differentials before posting.

See the rules for your state in HR laws by state.

Write a more inclusive posting

  • List physical requirements like lifting or standing only if they are essential, state them specifically, and include 'with or without reasonable accommodation' language
  • Do not require a BSN unless your facility truly mandates it; accepting ADN or diploma nurses widens your pool
  • Describe shift patterns clearly instead of asking for 'total flexibility', which can screen out caregivers

Hiring a registered nurse?

Prepare the interview too: 15 questions, red flags and questions to avoid.

Registered Nurse interview questions

Frequently asked questions

What are the best scenario questions for a registered nurse interview?

Questions about a deteriorating patient, a medication discrepancy, or a heavy assignment reveal clinical judgment and prioritization. Ask the candidate to talk through their steps aloud and listen for assessment first and timely escalation.

Should an RN job description require a BSN?

Only if your organization, accreditation, or Magnet goals require it. Many employers accept ADN nurses and support them to complete a BSN later.

How do I verify a nurse's license before hiring?

Use your state board of nursing lookup or the Nursys database to confirm the license is active and check for discipline. Make verification part of your standard offer process for every nurse hire.

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