5 Different Types of Nurses and What You Should Know About Them
As those of you who have read this blog before know, Heather was recently accepted into a Doctor of Nursing program. But that can leave those who don't know much about nurses wondering how can a nurse be a doctor? To help alleviate the confusion, we have gathered just five different types of nurses to help you get a better idea of just some of the nursing professions out there.
1. Nurse practitioner – Often considered the highest level of nurse there is, these are advanced practice nurses who often hold a doctorate level degree in nursing. They can prescribe medications in many of the 50 states in the U.S. They can also have specialty practices such as http://onlinefnp.com/ Family Practice or http://www.napnap.org/index.aspx Pediatrics.
2. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – The APRN is also one of the highest levels of nursing and requires at least a master's degree in the field. They are trained in advanced clinical practices and are utilized in many areas of health from anesthesia to nurse mid-wives. The most common degree for this kind of nurse is the Master of Science in Nursing.
3. Registered Nurse – The RN is the most common of all kinds of nurses. They are educated by a Bachelors or Associate degree and are required to pass the national exam for nurses. Becoming an RN is also an essential part of moving towards any of the more advanced areas of nursing.
4. LPN/LVN – The Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse are also common choices in the medical arena. They are also asked to undergo a college education and pass an exam, although neither is as extensive as the education or training to become an RN.
5. Certified Nursing Assistant – The CNA is one of the most junior types of nursing professions out there. They are considered to be nurses' aides and can also become home health nurses. This career can be obtained with a high school diploma and the completion of a state approved CNA program.
Ally Wagner is studying to become a nurse and also contributes to http://www.bestnursepractitionerprograms.com/ Nurse Practitioner Programs, which helps those studying to become nurse practitioners.
