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| What Type of
Nurse Should You Become? |
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All
right, so you've decided you want to become a nurse. Now you need to decide
exactly what type of nurse you want to become. There are many types of nursing
careers, each with their own unique responsibilities and educational
requirements. Below is a list of different types of nursing careers and a brief
description of each.
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Certified
Nurse
A certified nurse has met the requirements for clinical or practical practice
in a particular field; pursued education beyond basic nursing training; and
passed a written examination on a national scale recognized by standards of
nursing practice.
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Public
Health Nurse
Public health nursing consists of applying, promoting and defending the health
of populations using the essentials from nursing, social, and public health
sciences. Public health nursing is population-focused, community-oriented
nursing practice. The purpose of public health nursing is to prevent disease
and disability for all people through circumstances in which people can be
healthy. Public health nurses connect with nations, states, communities,
organizations, and groups, as well as individuals, in implementing health
evaluation, policy development, and assurance activities. Public health nurses
review the desires and the potency of the population, and to also plan
interventions to assemble resources for action, and promote equal opportunity
for health. Strong effectual organizational and political skills must
compliment their nursing and public health capability.
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Registered
Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses (RNs) work to promote health, prevent disease, and help
patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for
patients, families, and communities. When providing direct patient care, they
observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress; assist
physicians during treatments and examinations; administer medications; and
assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. RNs also develop and manage nursing
care plans; instruct patients and their families in proper care; and help
individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health.
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Licensed
Practice Nurse (LPN)
Most LPNs provide basic bedside care. They take vital signs such as
temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also treat bedsores,
prepare and give injections and enemas, apply dressings, give alcohol rubs and
massages, apply ice packs and hot water bottles, and monitor catheters. LPNs
observe patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments.
They collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, feed
patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. They help patients with
bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, keep them comfortable, and care for
their emotional needs. In States where the law allows, they may administer
prescribed medicines or start intravenous fluids. Some LPNs help deliver, care
for, and feed infants. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and
aides.
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Nursing
Assistant (NA)
Nursing aides, also known as nursing assistants, geriatric aides, unlicensed
assistive personnel, or hospital attendants, perform routine tasks under the
supervision of nursing and medical staff. They answer patients' call bells,
deliver messages, serve meals, make beds, and help patients eat, dress, and
bathe. Aides also may provide skin care to patients; take temperatures, pulse,
respiration, and blood pressure; and help patients get in and out of bed and
walk. They also may escort patients to operating and examining rooms, keep
patients' rooms neat, set up equipment, store and move supplies, or assist with
some procedures. Aides observe patients' physical, mental, and emotional
conditions and report any change to the nursing or medical staff.
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Nurse
Practitioner
At the advanced level, nurse practitioners provide basic primary healthcare.
They diagnose and treat common acute illnesses and injuries. Nurse
practitioners also can prescribe medications (but certification and licensing
requirements vary by State. Other advanced practice nurses include clinical
nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified
nurse-midwives. Advanced practice nurses must meet higher educational and
clinical practice requirements beyond the basic nursing education and licensing
required of all RNs.
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Certified
Nurse Midwife
An advanced practice nurse who has completed particular education in nurse
midwifery and also has received certification through the American College of
Nurse Midwives. Nurse midwives provide primary care in the area of women's
health including gynecologic, prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care.
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Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetist
A registered practice nurse anesthetist is one who has two to three years of
formal education beyond a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and who has
received certification from the Council of Certification of Nurse Anesthetists.
Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients in a diverse line of
situations including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical settings,
and dentists' offices.
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Home
Health Nurses
Home health nurses provide periodic services to patients at home. After
assessing patients' home environments, they care for and instruct patients and
their families. Home health nurses care for a broad range of patients, such as
those recovering from illnesses and accidents, cancer, and childbirth. They
must be able to work independently, and may supervise home health aides.
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Occupational
Health Nurses
Occupational health or industrial nurses provide nursing care at worksites to
employees, customers, and others with minor injuries and illnesses. They
provide emergency care, prepare accident reports, and arrange for further care
if necessary. They also offer health counseling, assist with health
examinations and inoculations, and assess work environments to identify
potential health or safety problems.
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Nurse
Supervisors
Head nurses or nurse supervisors direct nursing activities. They plan work
schedules and assign duties to nurses and aides, provide or arrange for
training, and visit patients to observe nurses and to ensure the proper
delivery of care. They also may see that records are maintained and equipment
and supplies are ordered.
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| Click
here to find a Nursing program in your area |
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Medical
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Keiser University eCampus Online
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Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni. We research trends for growing fields and tailor our curriculum to prepare students for entry and advancement to rewarding careers.
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Medical
Education Programs:
Health Services Administration - Medical Assisting
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