Types of Nurses and What They Do
The nursing profession offers a wide spectrum of roles, each bringing its own unique set of responsibilities, challenges, and rewards. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare professional or just starting out, understanding the various types of nurses and their functions can help you make more informed career choices.
The Levels and Types of Nursing Careers
Before diving into specific roles, it's essential to understand the overall structure of nursing careers. Nursing is typically divided into three main categories based on education and licensure:
Educational Paths in Nursing
Nursing careers begin with various educational paths. These range from certificate programs to advanced degrees, each offering different opportunities and responsibilities:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Requires a practical nursing certificate.
Registered Nurse (RN): Needs an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): Necessitates a Master's or Doctoral degree in nursing.
Licensure and Certification
Regardless of educational path, all nurses must pass licensing exams such as the NCLEX-PN for LPNs and the NCLEX-RN for RNs. APRNs must also pass additional national certification exams specific to their specialty. Discover details about NCLEX scoring and best practices in our blog, “Strategies for Success: Passing the NCLEX.” [please link to this blog once published]
Exploring the Different Types of Nurses by Education Level
Understanding the various types of nurses is key for anyone considering a career in this field. Let's explore the roles based on their educational requirements:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPNs provide essential support to RNs and physicians, administering basic patient care like monitoring vital signs and updating medical records. Their training typically involves a one-year certificate program followed by the NCLEX-PN exam. LPNs are indispensable in settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, and outpatient care centers.
Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs play a more comprehensive role in patient care, involving tasks such as administering medication, performing diagnostic tests, and educating patients about health maintenance. They can specialize in fields like pediatrics, oncology, or critical care. To become an RN, one must complete either an ADN or BSN program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
APRNs hold advanced degrees and have specialized roles such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs). They often serve as primary care providers and possess the authority to prescribe medications. A Master's or Doctoral degree followed by a national certification exam is required for these roles.
To learn more details about the levels of nursing, read our blog, read “Navigating Nurse Hierarchy in U.S. Hospitals.” [please link to this blog once published]
Specialized Nursing Roles and Departments
Specialization allows nurses to focus on specific areas of healthcare, enhancing their skills and expertise. Here are some specialized roles and the departments they commonly work in:
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
FNPs provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages, serving as primary care providers. They often work in family practice clinics, community health centers, and private practices. Their role involves diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medication, and developing treatment plans.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
PMHNPs specialize in mental health care, providing psychiatric assessments, diagnosing mental health conditions, and offering therapy and medication management. They work in settings like mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practices.
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
WHNPs focus on women's health issues, including reproductive health, prenatal care, and menopause management. They collaborate with obstetricians and gynecologists in hospitals, clinics, and private practices to deliver specialized care.
The Impact of Nursing Specialties on Healthcare
Specialized nursing roles offer targeted care to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall healthcare delivery. Here’s how these specialties make a difference:
Enhanced Patient Care
Specialized nurses possess advanced knowledge and skills, allowing them to provide high-quality, personalized care. Their expertise leads to better diagnosis, treatment, and patient satisfaction.
Efficient Healthcare Delivery
Specialized nurses streamline healthcare processes, reducing the burden on general practitioners and improving the efficiency of healthcare services.
Addressing Healthcare Gaps
Specialized nursing roles help fill critical gaps in healthcare, such as mental health and women's health, ensuring underserved populations receive the care they need.
Nursing offers diverse career paths, each with its unique responsibilities and rewards. For those interested in bringing their nursing skills to the U.S. to enhance patient care, apply today to connect with a recruiter and begin your journey.
Curious about the opportunities for international nurses? Check out our podcast, “Nursing in America.”
Works Cited:
"Types of Nurses and What They Do." American Nurses Association, www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/nursing-resources/types-of-nurses-and-what-they-do/.
"What is a CNS?" National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. https://nacns.org/about-us/what-is-a-cns/