When you think of nursing, you might imagine someone caring for another person, monitoring their health, and keeping them healthy. But there are actually many different types of nurses and what they do is much broader than that.
There are many different specialties within the nursing industry and each offers a slightly different focus and role. We’ll take a look at where these roles can take you in the future. So if you’re interested in becoming a nurse, read on to learn more about your options!
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Registered nurses, or RNs, are the most common type of nurse. The vast majority of nurses are RNs, and most people use the terms “nurse” and “RN” interchangeably. If you’re interested in becoming a nurse, you’ll definitely want to become an RN.
Registered nurses have a wide range of responsibilities and work in many different settings. They primarily provide medical care for patients, including administering medications, completing medical assessments, and providing education and support.
RNs are also often involved in planning and administering patient care, such as administering IVs or removing sutures. Nursing is a very rewarding and high-impact career, and the importance of RNs in society cannot be overstated.
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
Licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs, are sometimes confused with RNs. Unlike RNs, however, LVNs work with patients who are not yet stable or healthy enough to be discharged from a hospital. LVNs work in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, to provide medical care to patients who need less intensive intervention than hospital patients do.
LVNs are also more commonly found in rural areas than RNs, since they usually provide care to patients who are not in critical condition. If you have an interest in nursing but think you may be better suited to a less intense environment than a hospital, LVNs may be a good option for you.
Doctor Of Nursing Practice (DNP)
If you’re looking to become a nurse practitioner or NP, you’ll want to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Nurse practitioners work in many different settings and provide care that is similar to that of a physician.
Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat minor illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, order lab tests and imaging studies, and write treatment plans. They also provide preventive care, such as administering vaccines or managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
Although nurse practitioners have expanded their roles in recent years, they are only legally allowed to provide care that does not require a physician’s attention. You may need a DNP degree for these roles.
Nursing Care Providers (NCPs)
Nursing care providers, or NCPs, are RNs who have received special training to provide care for patients in long-term facilities. They are often the primary caregivers for multiple patients at a time, each of whom may have special needs.
Unlike registered nurses, NCPs do not administer medications or perform other medical tasks. Instead, they focus on providing assistance with daily living activities, such as dressing, eating, and bathing. Nurses working as NCPs may also provide emotional support to patients and their families. If you want to work with a high-needs population, becoming an NCP could be a good fit.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)
Certified registered nurse anesthetists, or CRNAs, provide anesthesia services during surgery. They administer drugs and monitor patients to ensure their safety during operations, during which they are unconscious. CRNAs also assist surgeons and work closely with medical personnel in the operating room.
To become a certified registered nurse anesthetist, you’ll need to earn a Master’s Degree in Nursing and experience working with anesthesia. Many CRNAs specialize by working in a specific type of surgery or helping with a specific type of anesthesia. You may want to become a CRNA if you’re passionate about surgery and providing patient-centered care.
Expert RNs In The Healthcare Industry
If you have a specific interest in a specific aspect of nursing, you may want to consider getting a master’s degree in that specialty. You’ll want to make sure that your specialization is relevant to nursing and that you can find employment in your field of interest. Examples of specific nursing specialties include public health, health policy, health care administration, nursing informatics, and oncology nursing.
There are also many subspecialties within nursing, such as geriatric nursing, pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, pediatric nursing, and occupational health nursing. Each subspecialty has its own set of responsibilities, knowledge base, and certification exam. If you’re interested in a specific subspecialty, you’ll want to make sure you become certified in it.
Neonatal Nurses
The Neonatal unit specializes in caring for newborns with special medical needs. Neonatal nurses are specially trained in infant care and know what to do when your baby is in danger. Neonatal nurses work as a part of a multidisciplinary team that also includes doctors, social workers, nutritionists, and therapists.
Neonatal nurses are specially trained to care for premature babies who have special needs. They also have the skills and knowledge to prevent, recognize and manage problems that premature babies are likely to have.
Neonatal nurses are specially educated to assist the doctor and other members of the health team in treating sick and premature infants. Neonatal nurses must have the knowledge and expertise to provide the best possible care for premature babies.
Conclusion
Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career, and it is incredibly diverse. There are many different types of nurses and what they do is much broader than that. If you’re interested in becoming a nurse, you’ll be able to find a specialty that suits you perfectly.
It’s a great profession for people who want to make a difference in the world. If you’re interested in becoming a nurse, there are many different types of nursing jobs you can choose from.
Nursing is a broad profession, so the options are limitless. If you want to work in the healthcare industry but don’t want to become a nurse, you can still make a difference.
