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Are there multipe types of nurses? If so, what does each nurse do?

I'm in tenth grade intrested in a career in nursing, just looking for some tips.

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TARA NADIA’s Answer

Hello Brandon!

Below is a blog article I recently wrote about becoming a nurse. I hope you can find value in it. The nursing profession is extremely flexible and ever changing. If your the type of person who likes change nursing is a great fit! You can stay in the same profession and experience many different types of specialties. I wish you well!

Want to Become a Nurse? Which Path to Nursing is Right for You?

If you are reading this article, you are considering a career in nursing. Many diverse opportunities make nursing a wonderful career choice. You can work in a hospital, nursing home, doctor’s office, or clinic. You can even work from home in utilization review, case management, telehealth, content writing, or nursing informatics. The career goals you want to pursue, how fast you wish to achieve them, and the resources you have will help determine which path is right for you. Let’s explore some options.

Preparing in High School

As a junior in high school, you hold quite the advantage. Consider looking into a career and technical center near you that offer pre-nursing programs for juniors and seniors. Upon graduation, you can become a licensed nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse (LPN), pharmacy technician, or phlebotomist, to name a few. These programs have tuition requirements; however, there are often scholarships available. Applying for as many as you can is highly encouraged. This strategy will require research, filling out forms, and writing essays, but the benefits far outweigh the work involved. These programs will allow you to work in healthcare after high school and carry over credits into a bachelor’s program.

LPN vs. RN

If attending a technical program in high school is not a good fit for you, the next thing to consider is whether to become a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) or a registered nurse (RN).

Becoming an LPN

LPNs and LVNs differ only by geographical location. Texas and California use the term LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse). LPNs take direction from RNs and are directly involved in patient care. They perform essential nursing care, such as checking vital signs, feeding, bathing, and administering certain medications and treatments.

Make sure to apply to an accredited LPN/LVN program, which you can find at many vocational or community colleges. This accreditation will ensure you can take the NCLEX-PN, the required state competency exam allowing you to obtain your state license. LPN school can take anywhere from seven months to two years to complete. On average, the cost of tuition for LPN programs is $10,000 to $15,000 nationally. Applying for scholarships helps to offset tuition. Salaries for LPNs can vary anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on where you live.

Becoming an RN

An RNs role focuses on patient care management. RNs oversee and delegate tasks to LPNs and other healthcare ancillary staff. They perform patient assessments, write care plans, provide teaching, and administer certain high-risk medications and treatments.

You can obtain an associates degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). An ADN program typically takes a full-time student two years to complete, offering significant clinical experience, while a BSN program takes four years to complete and is more research-based but also offers clinical experience. Completion of either program allows you to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

On average, the cost of tuition for an ADN program is anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000, and tuition for a BSN program can range from $20,000 to $100,000. Factors affecting salary include in-state and out-of-state tuition or state versus private universities. Attending a main campus versus a university branch can also affect tuition costs. Salaries for RNs can vary anywhere from $61,000 to $129,000 annually, depending on where you live.

Hands-On Experience

Many hospitals or nursing homes offer tuition reimbursement for part-time and full-time staff. Working in an ancillary staff position allows you to observe the nursing role and gain hands-on experience while receiving financial assistance for your education. Your dreams can come true with hard work, dedication, and the right strategy.

References

Helena College University of Montana. (n.d.). Nursing Programs. Retrieved August 13, 2023, from https://helenacollege.edu/academics/programs/nursing/default.aspx

Ko, N. (2023, May 3). Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) vs. Registered Nurses (RN). NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/lpn-vs-rn-roles/

Nurse.org. (2023, March 31). How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). https://nurse.org/resources/licensed-practical-nurse-lpn-lvn/how-to-become-an-lpnlvn

Practicalnursing.org (2023, March 15). Cost of LPN Programs & Schools. https://www.practicalnursing.org/cost-lpn-program-school

St. John, M. (2023, May 2). What Is The Cost Of Nursing School? Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/nursing-school-cost/

Trumbull Career & Technical Center (n.d.). Industry-Recognized Credentials and Certifications. Retrieved August 13, 2023, from https://www.tctchome.com/page/credentials-and-certifications

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, April 25). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2022 29-2061 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, April 25). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2022: 29-1141 Registered Nurses. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm


Tara Nadia Roscoe, RN
8/13/2023
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Brandon,

While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.

Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.

There are different types of Nurses - RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), etc. There are different avenues for Nurses to serve - Emergency Room (ER), Pediatric, Floor, etc. My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a head RN who looked after patients on the regular floors of the hospital.

RN designation is earned by attending and graduating from a 4 year college program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPN and CNA designations can be earned by attending a 2 year college or vocational program. RNs administer patient medications, treatments and medical and educational advice and information to the patients. Whereas, LPNs and CNAs provide basic nursing care and comfortability to the patient. CNAs work under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. Travel Nurses will go to different cities and different states to serve in hospitals and medical facilities.

According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:

https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty

A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2023 per www.nurse.org:

https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/

- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland

U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools

When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:

- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral

Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.

You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.

Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:

https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/

https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships

Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.

Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
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Kimberly’s Answer

There are so many different avenues of nursing. There is general medical surgical nursing where a lot of new nurses start. You will have exposure to many different diagnoses from pneumonia to wound infections and more. There’s ICU where many nurses go that want or need that experience to go on to be a nurse anesthetist. Which is something you can determine later in your career. There’s cardiology which is where I started. I worked for about 6 years on a unit where all we took care of were patients that were going and coming back from the cardiac cath lab. I learned a ton about the heart and loved it but I did get burned out. There are renal nurses that just take care of the patients in kidney failure at various stages. You can learn about dialysis and take care of transplant patients too. I am now a hemodialysis nurse, where I perform the hemodialysis treatments, and have been for 15 years. I absolutely love it and I love my patients. I noticed that with nursing you advocated for your patients. In hemodialysis I have advocated for patients in the outpatient setting to have family meetings regarding patient status. There are so many other things too.
My advice is look into what each specialty does. There are so many more specialties that I haven’t even touched on. Pediatrics, neurology, orthopedic, hospice and more.
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Susan’s Answer

Hi Brandon,

To answer your question - Yes -The different types also vary in pay. Although some require master's degrees, or extra training and/or classes, some specialties you apply for such as Emergency Room, Hospice, Private Practice and can learn more on the job without extra schooling. Check out this link (https://www.nu.edu/blog/types-of-nurses/) because it lists the 37 different types, what each requirement is and then the salary. Keep in mind that even though you start off as a nurse, you can also work your way up in a business sense to become the manager of all the nurses in the hospital, and even CEO of that hospital. As you grow in life, your career in healthcare can grow and change with you.
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Char’s Answer

Hi Brandon,
Along with various specialities, there are 3 types of nurses:

1. Licensed vocational/practical nurse (LVN or LPN)

Schooling takes 1 year. Usually works in clinics and nursing homes but can work anywhere. Can't give certain types of medications. Good pay.

2. Registered nurse (RN)

Schooling takes either 2 years (Associate degree) or 4 years (Bachelors degree). Usually works in hospitals and clinics but can work anywhere. Can give any type of medication. Better pay.

3. Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)

Schooling takes 2 years (Masters degree) or 4 years (Doctorate degree) but you have to be an RN first. Can work anywhere but they mostly work in leadership positions and sometimes are in charge of other nurses. These include nurse practitioners (NPs) and other specialty nurses. Highest pay.
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