What are different levels of nursing?
Nursing Assistant or Patient Care Technician- Usually the first step in a nursing career
- Typically requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training
- Responsibilities include helping with patient care tasks such as bathing, feeding, and taking vital signs
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
- Requires a diploma or associate degree from an accredited nursing program
- Must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
- Can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and private homes
- Responsibilities include providing basic patient care, administering medications, and monitoring vital signs
Registered Nurse (RN)
- Requires a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program
- Must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
- Can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and public health agencies
- Responsibilities include providing direct patient care, administering medications, and developing patient education plans
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
- Requires a master's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program
- APRNs include nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)
- Have more autonomy and can provide a wider range of services than RNs, such as diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and performing surgeries
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- The highest level of nursing education
- Requires a doctorate in nursing from an accredited nursing program
- DNPs are typically employed in leadership or research positions