According to the 2011 Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS) report,  Registered Nurses comprise the greatest number of healthcare professionals with a total employment of approximately 2.6 million jobs. The Registered Nurse (RN) has a panoramic set of responsibilities. The RN is responsible for treating patients, educating patients, families and the public, helping perform and analyze diagnostic tests and administering treatment and medications. The RN will also work to teach patients and their families topics such as diet, exercise, nutrition and self medication administration.

Registered Nurses are employed in a variety of settings. According to the 2011 BLS report, 60% are employed in hospitals, either public or private. RNs are also employed in physician’s offices, home health care services, nursing care facilities and employment services. Some RNs choose to pursue advanced degrees that allow them to practice as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Educators, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Public Health Nurses or Nurse Anesthetists.

The job outlook for RNs is excellent. According to the BLS report in 2008 2,618,700 were employed. The projected employment in 2018 is 3,200,200, an increase of 581,500 or 22%. Demand will remain high for registered nurses in hospitals, employment services and extended care settings. In addition, there will be an increased demand for registered nurses in physician’s offices and home health services, according to the BLS report.

The average starting annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Kentucky is $40,314.