Registered nursing (RN) is always a top professions for job growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses play a critical role in promoting health, preventing disease, and supporting patients in coping with illness.
They assess, plan, and deliver care while serving as health educators and advocates for individuals, families, and communities.
RNs can work independently and collaboratively, taking on diverse responsibilities like patient care, case management, research, teaching, and setting quality standards.
What’s So Special About Registered Nurses?
RNs can specialize in fields such as critical care, emergency nursing, neonatal care, and mental health.
Advanced practice roles, including nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse midwife, require graduate degrees and certifications.
These specialties expand the scope of nursing practice and offer additional career opportunities.
How Do You Get Started?
Entry-level nursing education can be completed in 2-3 years through diploma or associate degree programs, but a growing emphasis on Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs reflects research linking higher education to better patient outcomes.
Educational Pathways
Accelerated BSN and MSN programs are available for those with prior degrees, and articulation agreements help ADN and BSN graduates transition into advanced degrees.
With increasing demand for highly educated nurses, many employers prefer candidates with BSN or higher degrees. Flexible options like RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN programs cater to working professionals, while accelerated programs offer faster completion times for those with prior degrees.
All graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed.
Where Can Registered Nurses Work in PA?
The majority of nurses are employed in healthcare facilities, but home health and public health nurses often visit patients in their homes, schools, community centers, and other locations.
Examples of RN Jobs in Pennsylvania
Registered Nurse – Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island
Location: West Mifflin, PA
Salary: Not disclosed
Description: This role focuses on pre-op and post-op care for eye surgery patients in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include assisting in cataract, glaucoma, and laser vision correction surgeries, monitoring patients, and maintaining sterile operating rooms. Strong clinical judgment and patient advocacy are key.
Home Infusion Registered Nurse – Atulo Health Inc.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Salary: $47–$50 per hour (part-time)
Description: This position involves administering IV and subcutaneous infusions to patients in their homes. Duties include monitoring patient responses, performing ongoing assessments, and maintaining patient records. Flexible scheduling and prior home infusion experience are preferred.
Registered Nurse – Outpatient – Becker Health
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Salary: $500 per week (travel nursing)
Description: Join a travel nursing team providing outpatient care with Becker Health, a leader in clinical staffing. Responsibilities include patient assessments, care planning, and maintaining compliance with nursing standards. Comprehensive benefits and career growth opportunities are available.
Private Duty Registered Nurse – Leoforce
Location: Media, PA
Salary: $32–$35 per hour
Description: Deliver one-on-one private duty care, including clinical assessments, treatment planning, and patient education. This position involves working closely with families and adhering to state nursing practice regulations. A current RN license and CPR certification are required.
Registered Nurse – Morgan Search Group
Location: Erie, PA
Salary: $35–$40 per hour
Description: Work in a skilled nursing and rehab facility, overseeing patient care, supervising staff, and managing care plans. Competitive benefits include shift differentials, PTO, and career development opportunities.
Registered Nurse – Emerald Nursing and Rehabilitation
Location: Landisville, PA
Salary: $38–$43 per hour
Description: Provide nursing care in a rehabilitation center with benefits such as a $3,000 hiring bonus, flexible schedules, and career advancement. Responsibilities include patient assessments, care plan development, and monitoring resident health.
Home Health Registered Nurse – Medi Home Health Agency
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Salary: $33–$39 per hour (part-time)
Description: Offer home health care services including evaluations, plan development, and patient education. Prior home health experience is preferred, along with a valid RN license and driver’s license.
Nursing Supervisor – Lutheran Senior Services
Location: Lewisburg, PA
Salary: $15,000 sign-on bonus; increased hourly rates
Description: Supervise clinical care in a long-term and acute care setting. Responsibilities include overseeing staff, maintaining patient records, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Flexible schedules, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off are available.
Registered Nurse – Meadow View Healthcare and Rehabilitation
Location: Montrose, PA
Salary: Up to $47 per hour
Description: Deliver direct care in a long-term care and rehabilitation facility. Benefits include a $7,500 sign-on bonus, daily pay options, and a supportive work environment with career growth opportunities.
Registered Nurse – Greenwood Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
Location: Lewistown, PA
Salary: Not disclosed
Description: Provide night shift care in a supportive nursing environment with flexible schedules and sign-on bonuses. Responsibilities include patient assessments, clinical care, and staff oversight.
Registered Nurse – Caring Hospice Services
Location: Warrington, PA
Salary: $6,000 sign-on bonus
Description: Specialize in hospice care with a focus on pain management and family education. Requires strong communication skills and the ability to work independently. Full benefits and PTO are offered.
Evening Nurse – Hoffman Homes for Youth
Location: Littlestown, PA
Salary: $41.09–$46.57 per hour
Description: Provide evening care for youth in a residential setting. Responsibilities include medication administration, addressing medical concerns, and collaborating with the treatment team. Flexible schedules and a supportive work environment are offered.
Operating Room RN – West Shore Surgery Center
Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
Salary: Not disclosed
Description: Work in a fast-paced ambulatory surgery center handling pre-op, intra-op, and post-op care. No weekends or holidays, with flexible full-time and part-time options. OR experience and BLS certification preferred.
Registered Nurse – Yorkview Nursing and Rehab
Location: York, PA
Salary: $35–$38 per hour
Description: Provide skilled nursing care in a rehabilitation setting. Responsibilities include managing care plans and collaborating with healthcare teams. Benefits include daily pay options, flexible schedules, and tuition assistance.
Other Information Sources
Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners
The Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (PCNP) represents and advocates for over 16,100 Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs) in Pennsylvania, offering professional support, education, and networking opportunities through 17 regional groups and state-level initiatives. Membership benefits include advocacy for NP practice, access to job and mentorship opportunities, professional development events, and timely updates on legislative, regulatory, and career-related matters.
https://www.pacnp.org/
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
The State Board of Nursing ensures public health and safety in Pennsylvania by licensing and regulating registered nurses, practical nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, dietitian-nutritionists, and graduate nurses. It approves nursing programs, sets practice standards, and enforces disciplinary actions for violations.
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/nursing.html
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) represents over 875 nursing schools nationwide, advancing academic nursing through advocacy, education standards, and leadership development. AACN promotes health equity and innovation in nursing education with programs like AACN LEADS, Essentials curriculum standards, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. It provides accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), conducts research and data collection for policy and benchmarking, and offers resources such as webinars, conferences, and a centralized nursing application service to support students, faculty, and administrators.
https://www.aacnnursing.org/about-aacn