Nurses provide some of the most essential care in cities everywhere. Whether in hospitals, at urgent care facilities, in retirement communities, or for other healthcare service providers, nurses are a critical component of the healthcare industry. And one of the best places to begin your career as a nurse is New York!

The national picture

Nearly 3 million nurses are employed in the United States, according to May 2017 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). RNs have a national average salary of $73,550 (or a mean hourly wage of $35.36). The job outlook for RNs is very good, with projected growth of 15% over the next ten years. That’s much faster than the average growth estimated for all occupations, due mostly to longer average (and more active) lifespans and increasing rates of chronic health conditions across the population.

New York

The metropolitan area that includes New York, New York; Jersey City, New Jersey; and White Plains, New York has the highest number of RNs in the country. With more than 18 RNs for every 1,000 jobs and mean wages of $43.76 per hour and $90,840 per year, New York can be a great place to pursue a nursing career.

The state of New York also has the third-highest number of RNs in the country, with nearly 20 registered nurses for every 1,000 jobs in the state.

What they do

RNs typically work in a team environment, supporting patient care through assessment, administration of medication, recordkeeping, patient education, performing tests, and more. They often work in fast-paced or high-stress environments, and they may frequently work long or overnight shifts to ensure 24-hour care for their patients.

Nurses may provide generalized care, or they might find a specialty to focus on—such as oncology, pediatric care, or urgent care—depending on their interests, skill sets, past experience, and available employment opportunities.

Getting an education

Registered nurses often earn a bachelor’s degree before pursuing their RN licensure, but some obtain a license and begin working with an associate degree or even a diploma. If you are considering continuing your education to prepare for licensure and become a nurse, we want to make sure you have the highest chance of finding success in a new nursing career.

Ready to look for a nursing program? The Imagine America Foundation has a great network of partner institutions—in New York and all across the country.