When it comes to Pittsburgh nursing jobs, registered nursing is one of the most promising occupations.

According to Pennsylvania Workforce Development, registered nurses are considered a high priority occupation in the healthcare industry. Employment throughout the State of Pennsylvania is expected to grow from 121,150 workers during 2002 to 136,910 workers during 2012, accounting for a 13 percent increase and 4,111 available jobs each year.

Pittsburgh’s education and health services industry employed 237,100 workers during December 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although this is a decrease from 238,000 workers during November, it is a .7 percent increase from December 2008.

The average annual wage for a registered nurse is $52,770, with the entry level wage averaging $38,290 per year and the experienced level wage averaging $60,000 per year. Registered nurses are responsible for observing patients, recording information, assisting physicians, administering medications and helping patients with rehabilitation efforts.

In order to become a registered nurse, most employers require a minimum of an associates degree. All registered nurses also must pass a national licensing examination. The top employers for registered nurses are: general medical and surgical hospitals, home healthcare services, nursing care facilities and offices of physicians.

State law technically dictates the tasks nurses are able to perform. However, as there are a variety of work settings a registered nurse can end up in, it’s more likely that the work environment will determine the day-to-day duties that will be performed.

The most popular settings for the occupation include:

• Hospital nurses – Provide bedside care, carry out medical regimens, and may supervise licensed practical nurses and nursing aides.
• Office nurses – Care for outpatients in physicians’ offices, clinics and emergency medical centers.
• Nursing home nurses – Develop treatment plans, supervise licensed practical nurses and nursing aides, complete paperwork and perform certain procedures for residents.
• Home health nurses – Provide periodic physician-prescribed services to patients living at home.
• Public health nurses – Work with individuals, groups and families to improve the overall health of communities, and may work with community leaders, teachers, patients and physicians.
• Occupational health or industrial nurses – Provide nursing care at work sites for employees, customers and others with minor injuries and illnesses.

Head nurses, nurse supervisors, nursing practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists and certified nurse midwives also are considered among the registered nursing occupation. The top related occupations are: emergency medical technician, occupational therapist, physical therapist and physician assistant.