Image of nurses' hands at computer keyboard

The ranks of registered nurses numbered 2.4 million last year, making them members of one of the largest occupations in the country, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

During 2006, nurses’ hourly wage averaged $28.71, according to the latest figures available and reported by the BLS. The figure includes RNs employed in nursing homes, hospitals and physicians’ offices. The average hourly wage for RNs employed in skilled nursing facilities was $25.81.

A total of 5.1% of registered nurses work at nursing homes, 57% are employed by hospitals, and 5% are employees of home healthcare services, according to the report.

See more at: http://www.bls.gov/oes/.