What kinds of nurses are there?

Types of Nurses:

1. Registered Nurse (RN):

- Requires at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

- Licensure required by state boards of nursing.

- Provides direct patient care, assess health, administer treatments, and educate patients.

2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):

- Requires a diploma from an accredited practical nursing program.

- Licensure required by state boards of nursing.

- Provides basic patient care under RN supervision, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and wound care.

3. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN):

- Include Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Nurse Practitioners (NP), Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), and Nurse Midwives (CNM).

- Requires a Master's degree in Nursing and usually additional certification.

- Can diagnose, treat, prescribe medication (NPs), and provide advanced care within their specialization.

4. Nurse Practitioner (NP):

- APRN who can assess patients, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and provide comprehensive care.

- Specialty areas like Family NP, Adult NP, Pediatric NP, etc.

5. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA):

- APRN who specializes in administering anesthesia during surgeries and procedures.

6. Nurse Midwife (CNM):

- APRN who provides prenatal care, attends births, and provides postpartum care.

7. Pediatric Nurse:

- Registered Nurse who specializes in providing care to infants, children, and adolescents.

8. Geriatric Nurse:

- Registered Nurse specializing in caring for older adults, typically found in long-term care facilities.

9. Oncology Nurse:

- Registered Nurse specializing in caring for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

10. Emergency Room Nurse:

- Registered Nurses trained to provide care to patients with critical or life-threatening conditions.

11. Flight Nurse:

- Registered Nurse providing medical care to patients during air transport or medical evacuation.

12. Public Health Nurse:

- Registered Nurses who work in community settings to promote health, prevent diseases, and provide education.

These are just a few examples of the diverse types of nursing specialty areas within the healthcare field.