Nursing is one of the largest and most important healthcare professions in the United States, with opportunities available in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, home healthcare and government healthcare facilities. For people searching for nursing jobs in USA, there are several career paths to consider, including registered nursing, licensed practical nursing, nurse practitioner positions, travel nursing and specialized nursing careers.

1. Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse, commonly shortened to RN, is one of the most common nursing careers in the United States.

Registered nurses provide direct patient care and work with doctors, nurse practitioners, nursing assistants and other healthcare professionals.

Their responsibilities can include assessing patients, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, maintaining patient records, providing treatment and educating patients and their families.

Registered nurses work in many different environments, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, home healthcare, physicians’ offices, schools and government healthcare facilities.

The median annual wage for registered nurses was $97,550 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Registered Nurse Requirements

A person seeking to become an RN generally needs an approved nursing education program and must satisfy the licensing requirements of the state where they intend to practice.

Passing the NCLEX-RN is an important part of the U.S. registered nursing licensure process.

However, completing the NCLEX alone does not mean someone can automatically practice in every state. Nursing licenses are regulated by state nursing regulatory bodies, and requirements can differ by jurisdiction.

2. Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed practical nurses are called LPNs in most states, while the title licensed vocational nurse, or LVN, is used in some states.

LPNs provide basic nursing care under the direction and supervision of registered nurses, physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Their duties may include checking vital signs, assisting patients with daily activities, providing basic treatments and reporting changes in a patient’s condition.

The BLS reported a median annual wage of $64,400 for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in May 2025.

This can make practical nursing an attractive option for someone who wants to enter nursing through a shorter educational pathway than becoming an RN.

3. Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide a higher level of clinical care.

Depending on their specialty and state regulations, nurse practitioners may assess patients, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications and develop treatment plans.

Common nurse practitioner specialties include family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, women’s health nurse practitioner and acute care nurse practitioner.

Nurse practitioners generally require advanced nursing education beyond the RN level.

4. Nurse Anesthetist

Certified registered nurse anesthetists, commonly known as CRNAs, are advanced practice nurses specializing in anesthesia care.

They may administer anesthesia, monitor patients during procedures and provide anesthesia-related care before, during and after surgery.

This is a highly specialized nursing career and requires advanced education and professional certification.

Nurse anesthetists can work in hospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities and other healthcare environments.

Because of the advanced training involved, nurse anesthesia is generally among the better-paid nursing career paths.

5. Nurse Midwife

Certified nurse midwives provide healthcare related to pregnancy, childbirth and women’s reproductive health.

Their work can include prenatal care, assisting with childbirth, postpartum care and other reproductive healthcare services.

Nurse midwives may work in hospitals, clinics, birth centers and other healthcare settings.

Like other advanced nursing roles, becoming a nurse midwife requires specialized education and professional credentials.

6. Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is a popular career path for registered nurses who want to work in different locations.

Travel nurses may accept temporary assignments at hospitals and healthcare facilities that need additional nursing staff.

Assignments can vary in length, location, specialty and compensation.

Travel nursing can be attractive to nurses who enjoy moving between locations and want to experience different healthcare systems.

However, nurses should carefully review the contract before accepting an assignment.

Important factors include base salary, housing arrangements, travel reimbursement, overtime rates, contract length, health benefits, licensing requirements and cancellation policies.

Travel nurse compensation can vary substantially, so applicants should compare the complete compensation package rather than looking only at an advertised hourly rate.

7. ICU Nurse

An intensive care unit nurse, or ICU nurse, cares for seriously ill or critically injured patients.

ICU nurses often work with patients who require continuous monitoring and complex medical treatment.

The role requires strong clinical knowledge, attention to detail and the ability to remain calm in emergencies.

ICU nursing can be more demanding than many general nursing positions because patients may have complex and rapidly changing medical conditions.

8. Emergency Room Nurse

Emergency room nurses work in hospital emergency departments.

They treat patients arriving with injuries, sudden illnesses and other medical emergencies.

The work can involve rapid patient assessment, medication administration, emergency procedures and coordination with physicians and other medical staff.

ER nursing is often fast-paced because nurses may have to care for multiple patients with different levels of urgency.

9. Operating Room Nurse

Operating room nurses work with surgical teams during medical procedures.

Their responsibilities may include preparing surgical equipment, assisting during procedures, monitoring patients and ensuring that safety protocols are followed.

Some operating room nurses specialize in particular types of surgery.

Experience in surgical nursing can therefore lead to specialized career opportunities within hospitals and surgical centers.

10. Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses care for infants, children and teenagers.

They may work in children’s hospitals, pediatric clinics, physicians’ offices and other healthcare facilities.

Pediatric nursing requires not only clinical knowledge but also strong communication skills because nurses frequently interact with parents and guardians.

11. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse

Psychiatric mental health nurses provide care to patients dealing with mental and behavioral health conditions.

They may work in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, outpatient clinics and community healthcare settings.

Advanced psychiatric nursing positions may involve assessment, diagnosis and treatment depending on the nurse’s credentials and state scope of practice.

Mental healthcare continues to be an important area of the broader U.S. healthcare system.

12. Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses care for patients who have cancer.

They may assist with cancer treatment, monitor patients, administer medications, educate patients and provide emotional support.

The job requires specialized knowledge because cancer treatment can involve complex medications, procedures and side effects.

Some oncology nurses obtain additional specialty training or certification.

13. Home Health Nurse

Home health nurses provide nursing care to patients in their homes.

Instead of working exclusively inside a hospital, they travel to patients’ residences to provide services.

Depending on the patient’s needs, a home health nurse may monitor health conditions, administer medications, change dressings, educate family members and coordinate with physicians.

Home healthcare can be especially important for older adults, people recovering from surgery and patients managing chronic conditions.

14. School Nurse

School nurses provide healthcare services to students and staff within educational settings.

They may treat minor injuries, manage medications, respond to emergencies and communicate with parents and healthcare professionals.

School nursing can offer a different working environment from hospitals and emergency departments.

Applicants should check the specific education, nursing license and school-system requirements for the state where they want to work.

15. Nursing Home Nurse

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities employ nurses to care for residents who need ongoing medical assistance.

Residents may include older adults and people with chronic medical conditions or disabilities.

Nurses in these facilities can administer medication, monitor health conditions, communicate with physicians and coordinate care with nursing assistants and other staff.

Long-term care nursing can be particularly suitable for professionals who prefer building longer-term relationships with patients.

16. Rehabilitation Nurse

Rehabilitation nurses help patients recover after injuries, illnesses, surgeries or other medical conditions.

Patients may be recovering from strokes, accidents, neurological conditions or orthopedic procedures.

The nurse works with patients and other healthcare professionals to support recovery and improve independence.

Rehabilitation nurses can work in specialized rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient facilities and other healthcare environments.

17. Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses focus on improving health within communities rather than caring exclusively for individual patients inside hospitals.

They may participate in vaccination programs, health education, disease prevention, community outreach and public health initiatives.

Some public health nurses work for government agencies or community organizations.

18. Nurse Educator

Nurse educators train future and current nurses.

They may teach students in nursing schools, provide clinical instruction or develop educational programs within healthcare organizations.

Many nurse educator positions require advanced education and clinical experience.

For an experienced nurse who enjoys teaching, this can provide an alternative to traditional bedside nursing.

19. Nurse Manager

Nurse managers oversee nursing staff and help coordinate patient care within a hospital department or healthcare facility.

Their responsibilities may include scheduling, staff management, budgeting, quality control and ensuring that nursing policies are followed.

Nurse management is generally more administrative than bedside nursing.

Experience as a registered nurse can provide a foundation for moving into management.

20. Clinical Nurse Specialist

A clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice nurse with specialized expertise in a particular area of healthcare.

Specialties can include oncology, critical care, pediatrics, mental health, cardiovascular care and women’s health.

Clinical nurse specialists may provide direct patient care while also helping improve healthcare practices, staff education and clinical outcomes.

Nursing Jobs in USA Salary

Nursing salaries vary widely throughout the country.

The following figures provide useful benchmarks:

Nursing Career	Salary Information
Registered Nurse	$97,550 median annual wage
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse	$64,400 median annual wage
Nurse Practitioner	Varies by occupation and specialty
Nurse Anesthetist	Among the highest-paid nursing specialties
Travel Nurse	Varies by assignment, specialty and contract
Nurse Manager	Varies by employer, location and experience
School Nurse	Varies by school district and state
Home Health Nurse	Varies by employer, location and experience

The $97,550 figure for registered nurses is the national median annual wage reported by the BLS for May 2025. It is not a guaranteed salary for every nurse.

A nurse working in a particular state may earn considerably more or less than the national median.

What Affects Nursing Salary in the USA?

Several factors can influence how much a nurse earns.

Location

Nursing salaries differ significantly between states and metropolitan areas.

However, a higher salary does not necessarily mean better financial conditions because housing, transportation and other living costs can also be higher.

Experience

Experienced nurses may qualify for positions with greater responsibility and higher compensation.

Specialty

Specialized nursing positions can have different salary structures from general nursing positions.

Shift

Some employers provide additional compensation for night shifts, weekends or other less desirable working hours.

Employer

Hospitals, government agencies, nursing homes, clinics and private healthcare organizations can have different compensation structures.

Nursing Jobs in USA for Foreigners

International nurses can potentially pursue nursing careers in the United States, but they need to understand that immigration and professional licensing are separate issues.

Being a qualified nurse in another country does not automatically give someone permission to practice nursing in the United States.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing provides specific guidance for internationally educated nurses.

The exact process can depend on the state where the nurse wants to practice.

Applicants should therefore identify their intended state before beginning the licensing process.

NCLEX for International Nurses

The NCLEX is one of the most important parts of the U.S. nursing licensure process.

The NCLEX website provides information about the examination process, frequently asked questions and current test information.

Internationally educated nurses may have additional steps before they are eligible to take the examination.

These requirements can involve evaluation of nursing education, documentation and other requirements established by the relevant nursing regulatory authority.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing also provides state-specific nurse licensure guidance.

How to Become a Nurse in USA

For someone starting from the beginning, becoming a registered nurse generally involves several stages.

Step 1: Complete nursing education

Choose an approved nursing education program that meets the requirements for the type of nursing license you want.

Step 2: Complete clinical training

Nursing education includes practical clinical experience.

Step 3: Apply for licensure

Submit the required application to the nursing regulatory body in the state where you want to practice.

Step 4: Take the NCLEX

Eligible applicants take the appropriate licensing examination.

Step 5: Obtain your nursing license

Once the state’s requirements have been satisfied, the applicant can receive authorization to practice according to the applicable rules.

Step 6: Search for nursing jobs

After obtaining the required credentials, search hospitals, clinics, government agencies and other healthcare employers.

Nursing Jobs in USA With Visa Sponsorship

International nurses often search specifically for nursing jobs in USA with visa sponsorship.

Some U.S. healthcare employers may sponsor qualified international nurses, but sponsorship is not guaranteed for every vacancy.

Before applying, check whether the employer accepts international applicants, offers sponsorship, requires an active U.S. nursing license, accepts applicants who are still completing licensing requirements and has specific experience requirements.

Do not assume that a job advertisement offering employment to nurses automatically includes immigration sponsorship.

Read the employer’s official information carefully.

Can a Nigerian Nurse Work in the USA?

Yes, a nurse educated in Nigeria can potentially pursue nursing employment in the United States, but the process involves meeting the applicable U.S. requirements.

For a Nigerian nurse, important areas to investigate include:

Nursing education credentials
State nursing board requirements
NCLEX eligibility
English-language requirements where applicable
Credential evaluation
Professional licensing
Employment authorization
Immigration or visa requirements
Employer sponsorship where applicable

Because requirements can change and differ between states, applicants should use the nursing regulatory authority for their intended state as the final source of licensing requirements.

Where to Find Nursing Jobs in USA

One useful source is USAJOBS, the official federal government employment website.

You can search for registered nurse positions through the USAJOBS website.

Another option is to visit the official career pages of hospitals, healthcare systems, nursing facilities and other healthcare organizations.

When searching for employment online, applicants should verify that the website and recruiter are legitimate before providing sensitive information.

How to Apply for Nursing Jobs in USA

A typical nursing application may require:

Professional résumé
Nursing license information
Education credentials
Work experience
Professional certifications
References
Contact information
Background information

Federal nursing positions may have additional application requirements.

Read the job announcement carefully before submitting an application.

What Should a Nursing Resume Include?

A strong nursing résumé should clearly show your professional background.

Include your professional summary, education, license information, clinical experience, specialty, certifications and work history.

If you have experience in ICU, emergency, pediatric, oncology, surgical or another specialty, make it clear in your résumé.

Avoid adding information that is not relevant to the position.

Nursing Jobs in USA Without Experience

Finding a first nursing job can be challenging because many employers prefer applicants with some clinical experience.

However, newly licensed nurses can search for positions specifically designed for new graduates.

Useful search terms include:

New graduate RN jobs
New nurse residency programs
Entry-level registered nurse jobs
Graduate nurse positions
New graduate nursing programs

Hospital nurse residency programs can provide structured support for newly licensed nurses transitioning into professional practice.

Nursing Jobs in USA Without NCLEX

People searching for nursing jobs without NCLEX should be careful about misleading advertisements.

For many U.S. nursing licensure pathways, passing the applicable NCLEX is an important requirement.

However, there are healthcare jobs that are not licensed nursing positions.

Someone without a U.S. nursing license may potentially qualify for certain non-nursing healthcare positions depending on their education and experience.

Do not present yourself as a U.S.-licensed nurse if you have not obtained the required license.

Government Nursing Jobs in USA

The U.S. federal government employs nurses through agencies and healthcare systems.

One major example is the Department of Veterans Affairs, which hires registered nurses for different healthcare settings.

USAJOBS provides information about federal nursing vacancies and their application requirements.

Government nursing jobs can have structured pay systems, benefits and specific eligibility requirements.

Applicants should read each vacancy announcement carefully because some federal positions have restrictions regarding citizenship, employment status, security requirements or other eligibility conditions.

Nursing Jobs in USA for International Applicants

If you are outside the United States, be cautious about recruiters who promise a nursing job and visa in exchange for a large upfront payment.

A genuine recruitment process should provide enough information for you to independently verify the employer and position.

Before paying any recruitment or immigration-related fee, confirm:

The identity of the employer
The identity of the recruiter
The actual job vacancy
The salary
The work location
The licensing requirements
The immigration process
Who is responsible for each cost

Never assume that a WhatsApp message or social media advertisement is proof that a nursing vacancy is genuine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Jobs in USA

How much does a registered nurse make in the USA?

The BLS reported a $97,550 median annual wage for registered nurses in May 2025. Actual salaries vary according to location, experience, specialty and employer.

Are nurses in demand in the USA?

Nursing remains a major healthcare occupation, and the BLS projects continued employment opportunities for registered nurses. Healthcare occupations overall are also projected to have substantial employment openings over the coming decade.

Can a foreign nurse work in America?

Yes, but foreign nurses must meet the licensing and employment requirements applicable to their situation and intended state.

Does a Nigerian nurse need NCLEX to work in the USA?

A Nigerian nurse seeking U.S. registered or practical nursing licensure generally needs to follow the applicable state licensure pathway, which can include the appropriate NCLEX examination. Requirements should be confirmed with the nursing regulatory authority for the intended state.

Can I get a nursing job in the USA with visa sponsorship?

Some employers may sponsor eligible international nurses, but sponsorship is not included with every nursing vacancy. Always verify sponsorship directly with the employer.

What is the highest-paying nursing job in the USA?

Advanced nursing specialties, particularly nurse anesthesia, can provide very high compensation. However, salaries vary by location, employer, specialty and experience.

Where can I apply for nursing jobs in America?

USAJOBS is an official source for federal employment opportunities. You can also apply directly through the career websites of hospitals, healthcare systems, nursing facilities and other healthcare employers.

Final Thoughts

Nursing offers a wide range of career opportunities in the United States, from registered nursing and practical nursing to advanced specialties such as nurse anesthesia, nurse practitioner roles, critical care and specialized clinical positions.

For someone already working as a nurse outside America, the most important thing is to understand the difference between being qualified as a nurse in your home country and being licensed to practice in a particular U.S. state.

The process can involve education verification, licensing requirements, the NCLEX and other state-specific steps.

For job seekers who are already licensed and eligible to work, there are opportunities across hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home healthcare, government agencies and other healthcare organizations.

The safest approach is to verify every vacancy through an official employer or government website, understand the complete salary and benefits package, and never pay an unknown person simply because they promise a U.S. nursing job.