What are the Different Types of Nursing Degrees?
There are few careers more noble than those found in the medical field. Nurses in particular are an integral component in the successful treatment and excellent care of every patient.
When choosing a future in nursing, it's important to know the varying options you have for the type of nurse you can become. Are you one of those caring individuals who has decided to join the ranks of what can be considered a front line defense against illness? Then it's important for you to know the exciting variety of options that exist for your field - the field of nursing.
Who is a Nurse?
If you are considering a life in nursing, chances are you embody all that will make you an excellent medical care giver. Patients all over the world will tell you that the best nurses are those who:
- Care and have empathy for each individual patient they encounter
- Display integrity in every action, big or small
- Advocate for the very best medical treatment and care services possible
- Maintain a calm demeanor while displaying friendliness
- Stay organized and efficient without being robotic
If this sounds like characteristics others would use to describe your work ethic or if it sums up your vision for your future, the next step is to determine which type of nursing you want to pursue.
One Note: On your road to becoming a nurse, you may consider receiving your CNA certificate. Serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant could give you practical, hands-on experience while opening up potential opportunities for later. Most importantly, it could open your eyes to what it takes to give patients the very best care.
What Types of Nurses are There?
Just as in any job that has specializations and areas of focus, there are different types of nurses that accomplish the work of helping patients get and stay well. Knowing what the nursing types are can help you have a vision for your future and create a plan to accomplish those goals.
There are primarily three types of nurses:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): An LPN has a versatile job description. Primarily, their objective is to provide professional, hands-on, basic nursing care. They are focused on the immediate care of the patient (like bathing and checking blood pressure) and are often the first in line to advocate for the needs of their patient.
- Registered Nurse (RN): The role of an RN is to complete such tasks as administering medication and educating patients on their options for treatment and services. They often oversee others on the nursing team (such as CNAs and LPNs) and may find themselves on a track that leads to a managerial position.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The BSN is capable of administering medications and providing hands-on care, but also has some extra training in leadership and management. Their role often has administrative characteristics, with a heart for the patients but a vision for the overall success of the team.
How Will Education Impact a Future in Nursing?
Obviously, because of the high importance of the work they do, nurses at any level have very specific educational requirements. From a 1-year licensing program to become an LPN, to an associate degree for an RN, and a four-year accredited bachelor's degree to become a BSN, if you choose nursing as your path then you will see how furthering your education will take you even further in your goals.
Take Charge of Your Future
If you think that a degree in nursing is in your future and you're ready to take charge of your job path, ECPI University can help. Our College of Nursing has all of the educational tools you need to navigate the road ahead and can help you achieve your goals and impact the lives of the patients you meet. Contact us TODAY!
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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