How to Hire a Registered Nurse
Navigate the competitive RN market with data-driven strategies for attracting and hiring qualified nurses.
Understanding RN Specializations
Registered Nurses work across virtually every healthcare setting. Major specializations include ICU/Critical Care, Emergency Department, Medical-Surgical, Labor & Delivery, Pediatrics, Oncology, and Operating Room.
Each specialty has different certification requirements and experience expectations. ICU nurses should have CCRN certification; OR nurses benefit from CNOR certification.
Travel nursing has dramatically impacted permanent hiring. Offering competitive pay, sign-on bonuses, and work-life balance is essential to attract nurses away from travel contracts.
Licensure & Certifications
All RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and hold an active state nursing license. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to practice in 40+ member states with one license.
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is increasingly preferred, with many hospitals requiring or preferring BSN-prepared nurses for clinical roles.
Specialty certifications from ANCC or other bodies demonstrate expertise and commitment. Common certs include CCRN, CEN, RNC-OB, PCCN, and OCN.
Compensation Strategies
RN salaries vary significantly by location ($60,000 in rural areas to $120,000+ in California) and specialty (ICU and OR nurses command premiums).
Effective compensation packages include competitive base pay, shift differentials (nights, weekends), sign-on bonuses ($5,000-$20,000), and relocation assistance.
Benefits that matter to nurses: tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, flexible scheduling, self-scheduling, and career ladder programs.
Sourcing & Recruiting
NurseSend provides access to 1.5M+ verified nurse contacts with personal emails and phone numbers for direct outreach campaigns.
Nursing school partnerships, clinical rotation programs, and residency programs build pipelines for new graduate nurses.
Employee referral programs are highly effective in nursing. Nurses trust recommendations from colleagues about workplace culture and management.
Retention Considerations
Nurse turnover costs $40,000-$64,000 per nurse. Investing in retention through culture, scheduling flexibility, and career development pays dividends.
Burnout is a critical issue. Reasonable patient ratios, adequate staffing, and mental health support improve retention.
Professional development opportunities, certification support, and clear career paths keep nurses engaged long-term.
Industry Insights
“The U.S. will need 1.1 million new registered nurses by 2030 to avoid a nationwide shortage. Proactive recruitment strategies are no longer optional for healthcare systems.”
“Nurse turnover costs hospitals between $40,000 and $64,000 per RN. Investing in recruitment quality and retention programs delivers measurable ROI.”
RN vs LPN vs CNA: Nursing Credential Comparison
| Factor | Registered Nurse (RN) | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | BSN (4 years) or ADN (2 years) | Diploma program (1 year) | Certificate (4-12 weeks) |
| Licensure Exam | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-PN | State CNA exam |
| Scope of Practice | Full nursing assessment, care planning, medication admin | Basic nursing care under RN supervision | Assist with ADLs under nurse supervision |
| Avg. Salary (BLS) | $81,000 | $55,000 | $35,000 |
| Can Prescribe | No (NPs can) | No | No |
| Demand Level | Very High | High | High |
| Career Path | NP, CRNA, CNS, management | Bridge to RN programs | LPN or RN programs |
Bottom line: RNs offer the broadest scope of practice and highest demand. Consider LPNs for cost-effective staffing in long-term care settings, and CNAs for supportive care roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hire a registered nurse?
The average RN hiring timeline is 25-40 days, though critical care and specialty positions may take longer due to certification requirements and candidate scarcity.
What is the average RN salary in 2026?
RN salaries average $75,000-$95,000 nationally, with significant variation by state ($60,000-$120,000+) and specialty.
Should I require BSN for RN positions?
While ADN-prepared nurses are qualified, BSN is increasingly preferred. Consider offering tuition support for ADN nurses to complete BSN programs.
How do I compete with travel nursing pay?
Focus on total value: competitive base pay, work-life balance, consistent schedules, benefits, career growth, and avoiding the instability of travel assignments.
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