Registered nurses (RNs) are in high demand across the United States, but certain specialties are more in-demand than others. If you're considering a career in nursing, here's a rundown of the top registered nursing specialties in demand, the cities where they are needed most, and the salary and qualification requirements for each:

  1. Emergency Room (ER) Nurses: ER nurses are highly sought after due to the fast-paced, high-pressure environment they work in. ER nurses are responsible for assessing patients, providing emergency care, and communicating with other healthcare providers. ER nurses can expect to earn a median annual salary of around $75,000. Cities with a high demand for ER nurses include New York City, Los Angeles, and Houston.
  2. Operating Room (OR) Nurses: OR nurses are responsible for preparing patients for surgery, monitoring patients during surgery, and providing post-operative care. They work closely with surgeons and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. OR nurses can expect to earn a median annual salary of around $85,000. Cities with a high demand for OR nurses include Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle.
  3. Critical Care Nurses: Critical care nurses work in intensive care units (ICUs) and provide care for patients who are critically ill or injured. They monitor patients' vital signs, administer medications, and communicate with other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care. Critical care nurses can expect to earn a median annual salary of around $85,000. Cities with a high demand for critical care nurses include Chicago, Dallas, and Miami.
  4. Labor and Delivery Nurses: Labor and delivery nurses provide care for women during childbirth. They monitor fetal heart rate, administer medications, and provide emotional support to patients and their families. Labor and delivery nurses can expect to earn a median annual salary of around $75,000. Cities with a high demand for labor and delivery nurses include Atlanta, Denver, and Nashville.

To become a registered nurse in any of these specialties, you'll need to earn a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Some specialties may also require additional certification or training. By focusing on these in-demand specialties and the cities where they are needed most, you can increase your chances of finding a fulfilling and rewarding career in nursing. And, if you're working with a nursing recruitment agency like Curehire, you can find job opportunities in these specialties and locations more easily.

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