Top 25 Registered Nurses Across the US
Verified from CMS provider data, updated monthly. Click any provider to see credentials, insurance acceptance, and patient resources.
What is a Registered Nurse?
Learn about this specialty, training requirements, and when to schedule a visit.
A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional who provides direct patient care, coordinates treatment plans, educates patients and families, and advocates for patient health across a wide range of clinical settings. RNs assess patient conditions, administer medications and treatments, monitor vital signs, manage wound care, and collaborate with physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care. They work in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, long-term care facilities, schools, and community health organizations.
Training and Qualifications
Becoming a registered nurse requires extensive education and training:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — 4-year university program, or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) — 2-3 year program
- Completion of an accredited nursing program with clinical rotations in medical-surgical, pediatric, obstetric, psychiatric, and community health settings
- Passage of the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses)
- State licensure from the board of nursing in the state of practice
- Many employers prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses; ADN-prepared nurses often complete RN-to-BSN bridge programs
- Continuing education requirements to maintain licensure (varies by state, typically 20-30 hours every 2 years)
Board Certification: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and other organizations offer specialty certifications including Medical-Surgical Nursing (CMSRN), Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN), Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), and Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN). State boards of nursing issue the license required to practice as an RN.
When Should You See a Registered Nurse?
You should consider seeing a registered nurse if:
- You need ongoing care coordination for a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart failure, or COPD
- You require wound care, ostomy management, or post-surgical wound monitoring
- You need home health nursing services after hospitalization or surgery
- You want patient education on managing a new diagnosis or medication regimen
- You need immunizations, health screenings, or preventive care services
- You are managing complex medication schedules and need medication administration or monitoring
- You need assistance with care transitions between hospital, rehabilitation, and home settings
- You require palliative or hospice nursing care for comfort and symptom management
Key Facts
Common Conditions Treated
Registered Nurses are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that registered nurses help patients manage.
Chronic Disease Management
Ongoing monitoring and care coordination for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, COPD, and kidney disease. Chronic diseases affect approximately 6 in 10 U.S. adults and require sustained management to prevent complications.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Registered nurses provide patient education, monitor vital signs and lab values, coordinate with physicians and specialists, and help patients adhere to treatment plans. RNs trained in chronic care management conduct regular assessments, adjust care plans in collaboration with providers, and connect patients with community resources. Studies show RN-led chronic disease programs reduce hospital readmissions and improve patient outcomes.
Wound Care
Assessment, treatment, and management of acute and chronic wounds including surgical wounds, pressure injuries, diabetic ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, and burns. Proper wound management prevents infection, promotes healing, and reduces complications.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Wound care nurses assess wound characteristics, select appropriate dressings and treatments, debride necrotic tissue when indicated, and educate patients and caregivers on wound care techniques. Certified wound care nurses (CWCNs) use evidence-based protocols to promote healing and prevent complications. They also address underlying factors such as nutrition, moisture management, and pressure redistribution.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Nursing care provided after surgical procedures to monitor recovery, prevent complications, manage pain, and facilitate safe discharge and transition to home care. Post-operative nursing is critical during the first hours, days, and weeks after surgery.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
RNs monitor vital signs, assess surgical sites, manage pain, administer medications, and educate patients on recovery milestones and warning signs. In home health settings, nurses provide wound care, remove sutures or staples, and coordinate follow-up appointments. They serve as the primary link between the patient and the surgical team during recovery.
Patient Education and Health Literacy
Teaching patients and families about diagnoses, treatment options, medication management, lifestyle modifications, and self-care skills. Health literacy is essential for patients to participate effectively in their own care and achieve better outcomes.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Registered nurses assess each patient's learning needs and health literacy level, then deliver tailored education using teach-back methods to confirm understanding. RNs provide written materials, demonstrate skills such as injection technique or blood glucose monitoring, and connect patients with support groups and community resources. Effective patient education led by nurses has been shown to improve medication adherence, reduce complications, and decrease readmission rates.
Important Note
This list represents common conditions but is not exhaustive. Registered Nurses treat many other conditions related to their specialty. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns, consult with a qualified registered nurse for a proper evaluation.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Understanding what happens during your appointment can help you feel more prepared. Here's what you can typically expect when visiting a registered nurse.
Your First Visit
- Comprehensive health assessment including medical history, current medications, allergies, and review of symptoms
- Vital signs measurement — blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation
- Physical assessment focused on your primary health concern
- Review of recent lab results, diagnostic tests, and specialist reports
- Discussion of your care goals, support systems, and any barriers to managing your health
- Development of an individualized care plan in coordination with your physician or provider
- Patient education tailored to your diagnosis, medications, and self-care needs
- First visit typically lasts 30-60 minutes depending on the complexity of your health needs
Diagnosis & Testing
- Registered nurses do not make independent medical diagnoses but perform nursing assessments to identify patient care needs
- Health screenings including blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing, and BMI calculation
- Wound assessment using standardized tools to classify wound type, size, depth, and healing stage
- Pain assessment using validated scales to guide pain management interventions
- Fall risk and skin integrity assessments using evidence-based screening tools
- Functional status evaluation to determine the level of assistance needed with daily activities
- Psychosocial assessment to identify depression, anxiety, social isolation, or caregiver strain
Treatment Options
- Medication administration — oral, injectable, intravenous, and topical medications per provider orders
- Wound care — assessment, cleansing, debridement, dressing changes, and patient education on wound management
- IV therapy — insertion and management of peripheral IV lines, infusion of fluids and medications
- Patient education — teaching disease management skills, medication use, and self-care techniques
- Care coordination — communicating with physicians, specialists, therapists, and social workers
- Health monitoring — tracking vital signs, lab values, and symptoms to detect changes early
- Discharge planning — preparing patients for safe transitions from hospital to home or other settings
- Referrals to specialists, community resources, and support services as needed
Tip for Your Visit
Bring a list of current medications, previous test results, and questions you want to ask. Writing down your symptoms—when they occur and what affects them—helps your registered nurse provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How to Choose the Right Registered Nurse
Finding the right healthcare provider is important for your health and peace of mind. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a registered nurse.
Credentials to Verify
- Active registered nurse (RN) license in your state verified through your state board of nursing
- BSN or higher degree from an accredited nursing program
- Specialty certifications relevant to your needs (e.g., CWCN for wound care, CDCES for diabetes education, CCRN for critical care)
- Current BLS (Basic Life Support) and any additional certifications required for their practice area
- Experience in the clinical area relevant to your health needs
Important Considerations
- Specialty training and experience with your specific condition or care needs
- Whether the nurse works in a setting convenient for you — hospital, clinic, home health, or telehealth
- Communication style and ability to explain health information in terms you understand
- Availability and responsiveness, especially for home health or care coordination services
- Cultural competency and ability to provide respectful, patient-centered care
- Whether they coordinate effectively with your existing healthcare team
- For home health: agency reputation, Medicare certification, and patient satisfaction scores
- Language capabilities if English is not your primary language
Quick Tip
Don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple registered nurses before making your decision. The right fit isn't just about credentials—it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your care.
Cost and Insurance Information
Understanding the costs associated with seeing a registered nurse can help you plan for your healthcare needs.
Average Costs (Without Insurance)
Initial Visit
$0-150 depending on setting (included in facility charges for hospital/clinic visits)
Follow-up Visit
$50-150 per home health visit; included in facility charges for clinic visits
Common Procedures
Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary based on location, provider, and specific services required.
Insurance Coverage
- Hospital and clinic nursing care is included in facility charges covered by most insurance plans
- Home health nursing is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance when medically necessary and ordered by a physician
- Medicare covers home health nursing for homebound patients who need skilled nursing services on an intermittent basis
- Chronic care management (CCM) services provided by RNs are billable under Medicare and many commercial plans
- Preventive services such as immunizations and screenings are covered at no cost under the ACA
- Private duty nursing for extended in-home care may require prior authorization and has coverage limits
Medicare Information
Medicare covers skilled nursing services in hospitals (Part A), outpatient settings (Part B), and home health agencies (Part A or B) when services are medically necessary and ordered by a physician. Home health nursing requires the patient to be homebound and in need of intermittent skilled care. Medicare also covers chronic care management services provided by RNs for patients with two or more chronic conditions.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Always verify your registered nurse is in-network before scheduling
- 2Ask about self-pay discounts if you don't have insurance
- 3Inquire about payment plans for expensive procedures
- 4Get prior authorization when required to avoid claim denials
- 5Use FSA or HSA funds for eligible medical expenses
Sources & References
Information about registered nurses is sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature and authoritative organizations.
Last updated: March 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about registered nurses
What is the difference between a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner?
A registered nurse (RN) holds an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing, passes the NCLEX-RN, and provides direct patient care including assessments, medication administration, wound care, and patient education. A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse with a master's or doctoral degree who can independently diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and order diagnostic tests. RNs work under physician orders, while NPs have a broader scope of practice that includes many functions traditionally performed by physicians.
Can a registered nurse prescribe medications?
No. Registered nurses cannot independently prescribe medications. RNs administer medications ordered by physicians, nurse practitioners, or other authorized prescribers. They are responsible for verifying orders, checking for allergies and interactions, administering the correct dose via the correct route, and monitoring patients for therapeutic effects and side effects. To gain prescribing authority, an RN must complete advanced education and become a nurse practitioner or other advanced practice registered nurse.
What does a home health registered nurse do?
A home health RN provides skilled nursing care in the patient's home, typically after hospitalization, surgery, or for ongoing management of chronic conditions. Services include wound care, IV therapy, medication management, vital sign monitoring, patient and caregiver education, and care coordination with physicians and specialists. Home health nurses assess the patient's condition at each visit, update the care plan, and communicate changes to the healthcare team. Medicare and most insurance plans cover home health nursing when ordered by a physician for homebound patients.
How do I verify that a registered nurse is properly licensed?
You can verify an RN's license through your state board of nursing website, which maintains a public database of all licensed nurses. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) also offers Nursys, a national nurse license verification database at nursys.com. Verification confirms the nurse's license status (active, expired, or disciplinary action), license number, expiration date, and any specialty certifications. Always confirm that the nurse holds a current, unrestricted license in the state where they are providing care.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Our editorial standards