Staff Nurse
Also known as: Registered Nurse · Nursing Officer · Ward Nurse
Provides direct patient care in hospital wards and clinics as a registered nurse.
What you’d do
A staff nurse is a registered nurse who gives direct care to patients in hospital wards, ICUs, operation theatres and clinics. Employers include government and private hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. A shift involves assessing patients, giving medicines and treatments as prescribed, monitoring vital signs, keeping records and handing over to the next shift.
- Give medicines and monitor vital signs
- Carry out doctors' treatment orders
- Record patient care in nursing notes
- Educate patients and families on care
How you get in
Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, then a 4-year B.Sc Nursing through state or institution entrance tests, or the GNM diploma. After registering with the State Nursing Council, freshers join hospitals as staff nurses; government posts are filled through recruitment exams such as AIIMS NORCET and state nursing recruitment.
Salary in India
Fresher salary over the years
middle of the 0–1 yr range, ₹ lakh a year
Fewer than two years of fresher data so far — the trend shows once there are two.
Skills you’ll use
From our guide · a curated list is coming
- Patient assessment and vital-sign monitoring
- Safe medication administration
- Infection control and aseptic technique
- Clear charting and shift handovers
- Basic and advanced life support
About this field · for freshers
Job openings by year
Is demand growing?
Not added yet.
Competition3
How many graduates enter each year?
B.Sc Nursing graduates in 2023-24 at institutions that reported to AISHE — everyone finishing that degree, not only those entering this role.
Who hires
IT firms, banks, government, startups?
Not added yet.
Where the jobs are
Which cities?
Not added yet.
Women in the field3
Is it diverse?
Share of women among B.Sc Nursing graduates in 2023-24 — the entry degree, not people already working in this role.
At a glance
- Growth paths include senior nurse, ward in-charge and nursing supervisor; an M.Sc Nursing opens teaching and specialist roles.
- Rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, are standard.
- Some nurses later work abroad after clearing that country's licensing exams.
Stay safe
No legitimate employer ever asks you to pay to get a job.