Nurses get to perform meaningful work each day. In fact, research shows that positive nurse-patient relationships can have a significant effect on patients’ health outcomes. A study published in Frontiers in Public Health in 2023 found that good nurse-patient relationships have the power to:
- Enable patients to begin rehabilitation earlier
- Improve patients’ safety
- Strengthen patients’ satisfaction with the nursing care they receive
Different types of nurses help patients achieve good health in different ways. Individuals who might be considering enrolling in a nursing school program should learn about the various types of nurses so they can identify which type of nursing best aligns with their interests.
Why Pursue a Career in Nursing?
Nursing is a worthwhile career choice for many reasons. For example:
- Nurses’ work is rewarding. In treating, educating, and demonstrating compassion for their patients, nurses get to make a significant difference in their patients’ lives.
- Nurses are in demand across the country. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, 193,100 registered nurse job openings will be available each year through 2032.
- Nurses can work in any of a number settings. Nurses work in hospitals, medical practices, outpatient facilities, home healthcare agencies, public health agencies, and travel nurse organizations.
- Nurses can choose from a variety of specialties. The Washington Center for Nursing has identified more than 100 types of nursing specialties, such as pediatric, critical care, and hospice nursing.
- Nursing offers career advancement. As nurses acquire more education, experience, and clinical nursing skills, they can progress from entry-level positions into supervisory, management, or even executive roles in healthcare.
3 Different Types of Nurses
The three different types of nurses, or levels of nurses, are described below.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work under the supervision of a registered nurse or a physician. They provide basic healthcare services, such as taking patients’ vital signs, performing basic wound care for them, and putting their catheters in place. They also help their patients accomplish tasks such as bathing or dressing.
According to a 2022 national workforce survey of nurses conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, the top three work settings for LPNs were nursing homes, hospitals, and home healthcare agencies.
In Texas, they are termed as Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) but they are essentially the same position with the same duties and responsibilities as LPNs have in the other states across the country.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) provide holistic healthcare services to their patients. They both treat patients and educate them about their health. They also observe patients, administer their treatment plans, perform diagnostic tests, and consult with other medical professionals regarding their patients’ care.
Once they have been licensed and have work experience, RNs can choose to pursue a particular type of nursing specialization. For example, the American Nurses Credentialing Center offers the following certifications for RN specializations:
- Medical-surgical nursing certification (MEDSURG-BC)
- Pediatric nursing certification (PED-BC)
- Cardiac vascular nursing certification (CV-BC)
The previously mentioned 2022 nursing workforce survey found that the top three work settings for RNs were hospitals, ambulatory care settings, and nursing homes.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Nurses who are interested in providing higher level care can become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Following are three types of nursing advanced practice roles:
- Nurse practitioners (NPs). NPs work more autonomously than RNs. They diagnose patients’ health conditions and order treatments. In some states, NPs also can prescribe medication. NPs specialize in a particular patient population, for example, families or children, or in a particular aspect of healthcare, for example, primary care or women’s health.
- Nurse anesthetists. Nurse anesthetists focus on providing anesthesia and pain management services. They counsel patients and prepare them for anesthesia, administer anesthesia to patients during medical procedures, and work with patients after they receive anesthesia. They also can perform services in areas such as critical care and resuscitation.
- Nurse midwives. Nurse midwives deliver babies, but they also provide a wide range of other services. For example, they offer family planning and gynecological healthcare, prenatal and postpartum healthcare, and healthcare services for newborns.
Types of Nursing Degrees
Following are the types of nursing education and degree programs that students can pursue.
Practical Nursing Education
Practical nursing education programs provide students with the expertise they need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) and, after satisfying all other requirements, become an LPN or LVN.. These programs include classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical hours through which students gain hands-on nursing experience.
Associate Degree in Nursing
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs can prepare students to pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and, after meeting all other requirements, become an RN. ADN programs provide aspiring RNs with clinical and academic instruction in areas such as providing and coordinating patients’ healthcare and educating patients about their health.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree also can acquire the expertise to pass the NCLEX-RN and, after meeting all other requirements, become an RN. BSN programs are more extensive than ADN programs, so they offer students a more comprehensive nursing education. RNs who have not already earned a BSN can enroll in a specialized RN to BSN degree program that is tailored to their specific educational needs.
Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs offer RNs an advanced nursing education. Earning an MSN is beneficial for nurses who aspire to move into positions in management, leadership, teaching, research, or analytics. To become an NP, for example, a nurse must earn either an MSN or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs can prepare nurses for nursing practice at the highest level. DNP programs offer students knowledge and skills in areas such as evidence-based nursing practice, leadership, and healthcare quality improvement. The DNP is a clinical doctorate and is an alternative to a research-oriented Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing.
Nurses of All Kinds Are Integral to Healthcare
Regardless of which nursing title or type of nursing career path an individual pursues, they have the opportunity to join the ranks of an important and well-respected profession. At all levels of care, nurses provide their patients with the services they need to achieve positive health outcomes.
Anyone who is interested in nursing education can explore the Fortis nursing school programs to learn how those programs can help them meet their career goals. Offering practical nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing programs, Fortis can help individuals gain the skills and expertise they need to make a lasting difference in healthcare. Get started on your nursing education today.
Recommended Readings
5 Ways Nurses Are Making a Difference in Patients’ Lives
How to Handle the Stress of Nursing School
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse?