What field of nursing do you need the most training for?

NURSING CAREER BASICS Nurses’ responsibilities vary by specialization or unit, but most share more similarities than differences. Nurses provide and monitor patient care, educate patients and family members about health conditions, provide medications and treatments, give emotional support and advice to patients and their family members, and more. They also work with healthy people by providing preventative health care and wellness information. NURSING IN-DEPTH The tasks nurses perform — and the settings in which they perform them — are at least partly driven by specialty, work experience and education. Although most nurses work in hospitals, some work for schools, private clinics, nursing homes, placement agencies, businesses, prisons, military bases or other employers. Nurses with associate and bachelor’s degrees often provide hands-on care, though the scope of this care varies by state and employer. Those with more experience and graduate degrees might supervise other nurses, teach nursing, become nurse practitioners or do research. Many nurses spend long hours on their feet. Although nurses working in physicians’ offices, schools, corporate settings or other places with traditional hours may work regular shifts with set schedules, those working in nursing facilities and hospitals providing round-the-clock care often have to work long weekend and holiday shifts. It is not unusual for some nurses to work 10 to 12 hours a day, three to four days each week. NURSING AT EVERY LEVELReaders hooked by articles ranking the “best” and “top” jobs are likely already savvy to the idea that health care is one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying industries in the nation, and that nurses are leading the charge. From diploma to doctorate, the nursing field offers rewarding careers for nurses at every education level. Learn more about some of the most popular nursing careers below.Licensed Practical Nursesclinical_psychologist Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses are entry-level nurses; which title they use is dictated more by geography than job function. LPNs and LVNs provide basic patient care, though specific duties are dictated by each state’s board of nursing. They might feed or bathe patients, monitor patient vitals and check and apply bandages. Some states also permit practical nurses to administer certain medications. Practical nurses must usually complete certificates or associate degrees and the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses, or NCLEX-PNRegistered Nurseschild_psychologist Registered nurses are the most prevalent nurses in the profession and often serve as a fulcrum of patient care. They work with physicians and communicate with patients and their families. They engage in more sophisticated care than LPNs. Board certification allows RNs to become highly specialized in areas like critical care, oncology, geriatrics, neurology and other key health disciplines. All states require RNs to earn at least an associate degree, but some employers prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees. RNs must also be licensed to practice, a process that requires that they complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses, or NCLEX-RN. Neonatal Nursesforensic_psychologist Neonatal nurses are typically RNs who are certified to care for infants born prematurely or with other health complications. Neonatal nurses may also calm anxious parents, explain conditions and procedures and teach families how to care for their babies upon discharge. Some neonatal nurses offer lactation support to moms visiting and feeding patients in the intensive care nursery. Working with small and sometimes underdeveloped infants and newborns requires specialized skills, training and equipment. Because they are RNs, neonatal nurses must earn at least an associate degree in nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN. Organizations like the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the National Certification Corporation offer additional RN certifications in neonatal care, pediatrics and critical care.Nurse Practitionersneuropsychologist-do As some of the most advanced nursing professionals, nurse practitioners make more decisions when it comes to exams, treatments and next steps. They go beyond the reach of RNs and may work with physicians closely. Some states with large rural populations or shortages in primary care physician have even passed legislation allowing NPs to stand in for physicians in certain situations. Nurse practitioners typically earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or, increasingly, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). They also earn additional certifications in specialized disciplines such as critical care, family medicine and pediatrics.CAREER TRENDS IN NURSINGHOT JOBS IN NURSINGNursing has long been a hot job, but aging baby boomers, health care reform and medical advances have kicked demand for these professionals into even higher gear. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment for registered nurses, licensed practical and vocational nurses and advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners and clinical nursing specialists, to significantly outpace the national average in the decade preceding 2022. These groups also include a number of more specialized nurses, such as the following:

Nurses’ aide training programs vary in duration from one month to about six months and result in a diploma or certificate upon completion. The shorter programs are typically designed for students with some previous healthcare experience – whether as a personal care aide, volunteer or other analogous role. Longer NA programs are better suited for students who have no previous experience.

NA programs are located in some vocational/technical high schools, community colleges and independent healthcare training schools. Because of an increasing demand for NAs, many employers (particularly nursing facilities) and the American Red Cross also offer courses. The content in NA programs includes basic health concepts and skills training. Longer programs may include additional classes such as communication skills, nutrition and human anatomy and physiology.
After completing a basic educational program, NAs can take on additional training in specialized skills that may include working with complex patient care technology or specializing in the care of particular age groups (such as the elderly). Aspiring NAs may also take leadership and management classes to qualify for administrative positions. Some programs do not require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission, but in order to be certified as an NA, a high school diploma is required (see certification section below).

Training

Students learn the job duty basics in their NA program, but most training occurs on the job under the mentorship of another nurse’s aide or a nurse. Nurses’ aides who work in hospitals may get specialized training depending on the area they work in. Training typically takes a few weeks and includes information about employer policies along with specific job skills.

Licensing and/or Certification

Nurses’ aides do not need a state license to practice. Certification as a certified nurses’ aide/assistant (CNA), however, is an option (and a desirable one) for better job opportunities. In addition, many employers require NAs to be certified.

The certification process may be included in some basic NA training programs or offered as separate training. Beyond the education time commitment required to be a basic nurse's aide, about 75 hours of additional training is required. To earn certification, NAs also need to pass a competency exam administered by their state. More information can be found at each state’s nurse aide registry.

Necessary Skills and Qualities

Nurses’ aides need to be in good physical shape to perform the lifting, stretching and bending required to care for patients’ physical needs. The ability to communicate with members of a multidisciplinary health team is essential, as NAs are very often the primary caregivers for patients. Dependability and punctuality are also important. Above all else, NAs must have a strong desire to help people.

Opportunities for Advancement

Nurse aides, especially CNAs, may become mentors, supervisors or trainers for other NAs. The most common career advancement choice for a former NA is to move into medical assisting, licensed practical nursing or registered nursing. While additional education and training are required to go into these fields, a background as a nurse’s aide provides excellent preparation. More information about these careers can be found at the American Association of Medical Assistants, the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses or the American Nurses Association.

If you would like to gain the necessary education to become a nurse's aide, we highly recommend that you check out our free School Finder Tool located HERE

Every nurse, in every specialty will tell you it's theirs!
Whichever path you take in nursing, the great thing is you ALWAYS have the opportunity to move up. Many opportunities to go back for more training/education.
You can be tested for a Certification, to show you know your stuff...
I am a CNOR. Certified Nurse in the Operating Room. I had extra training to work in surgery 12 years ago.
Then I went for more training to learn to assist the surgeons with the surgeries. I am an RNFA, Registered Nurse First Assistant.

There are nurses that administer anesthesia...CRNA.
Nurse Practitioners...ARNP.
The last two take more college education.
There are so many options.

Fimd a nursing association online, or near you. You can get a lot of information through them.
Good luck!