Aim We aim to explore registered nurses' perceptions of their career. Background Career development options have been found to increase attraction to nursing and support nurses' engagement with their organization and profession. Methods We collected qualitative individual interviews with 23 registered nurses; data were analysed with thematic analysis and reported according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) criteria. Results Three themes emerged: career choices, career engagement and career development. Participants had chosen a nursing career because they perceived it as humane, people oriented, meaningful, diverse and secure work. Participants' engagement in their career was connected to the content of the work, in which direct patient care was central. Nurses connected career development with high competency, independence, influence and meaningful working life experience. However, they perceived career development opportunities as minute within direct patient care. Conclusions Career development opportunities for nurses in direct patient care are needed to foster their career engagement and the attractiveness of the nursing profession. Further research is needed on the career planning and development of nurses working in patient care. Implications for Nursing Management Nurse managers must play a central role in engaging nurses in their careers and promoting their competency and career planning and development in organizations.