Written by
Sarah Gehrke, MSN, RN,
Sarah has worked in various roles at Coffee Medical Center including nurse, education director, and quality assurance director.
Nurses are at the heart of health care.
Qualified nurses are in need not only for bedside care, but for leadership roles, education and research, marketing, technical writing, informatics, advocacy, and much more. A new era of nursing involves the role of preventative and functional medicine.
A person does not need to be sick to optimize their health.
As a profession, nursing combines an in-depth knowledge of science and compassion. Nurses develop and implement care plans, collaborate with multidisciplinary groups and, most importantly, are patient advocates.
The nurse employs a holistic approach to the care of patients by utilizing the nursing process; i.e., nurses consider every aspect of a patient such as physical, psychological, social, and emotional wellbeing.
Because nurses work directly with people, effective communication skills are crucial, i.e., active listening, clear and honest spoken communication, and nonverbal communication.
Other inherent qualities of a good nurse include:
Communication in nursing practice
The expression of emotion through nonverbal behavior in medical visits
How to become a Certified Nursing Assistant
Roles and responsibilities of the nurse may include:
Keep in mind that the level of education changes the role of the nurse in the above list.
Each state has a scope of practice. Here are examples of the scope of practice for different certifications (which are stepping stones to a nursing license) and degrees of nursing education:
Before deciding on a degree path, an individual must determine what works best to accomplish career goals.
Before choosing a program a prospective student must:
The following is a list of the most common certificates, career paths, and degrees for nurses:
Medical assistant — MAs are unlicensed individuals that perform non-invasive technical assistance under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider, such as a physician, physician assistant (PA), nurse practitioner (NP or APRN), or nurse midwife in a clinic setting or medical office. The supervisor is to be on the premises for the MA to perform technical support duties.
Some states require the MA to credential with the department of health, while other states do not require an MA have certification. Many employers, however, will require a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Certified nursing assistant or home health aide — CNAs and HHAs help provide basic care for patients in medical settings and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.
CNA/HHAs must complete a state-approved education program and must pass their state’s competency exam for certification. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
Licensed vocational nurse/Licensed practical nurse certificate program — This is usually the quickest option for entering the nursing field (licensed) as these programs are fast-paced. Often, students can work as an MA or CNA a few hours a week while going to school.
Most LPN/LVN programs average 18 months to complete—enrolled full-time. Pre-requisites may be required before acceptance into the LPN/LVN program. Upon successful completion, the student is eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam and earn an LPN/LVN license.
There are very few available administrative and management positions for LPN/LVNs in the nursing industry, and as such, many LPN/LVNs often choose to further their education and go on to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and become an RN.
Many colleges offer bridge programs where an LPN/LVN will not have to take the traditional 2–4-year route to obtain their desired degree.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) — An associate degree in nursing is a 2–3-year nursing program that blends hands-on training with nursing theory and is ideal for those who are looking to obtain an RN license sooner than a 4-year program.
Associate’s degrees are available via either a community college or 4-year institution. Successful completion of this degree program will qualify the student to take the NCLEX-RN exam and earn an RN license.
Earning an ADN is ideal for those seeking to enter the nursing field as an RN in a shorter amount of time. It is also helpful for those who may endeavor to earn a higher degree at a later date.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — This is a 4-year degree that will provide some of the best opportunities for professional nurses in the job market.
The BSN program is rigorous and requires an extensive time commitment due to the amount of mandatory theoretical coursework and clinical practice. As a result of the nursing shortage, nurses with a bachelor’s degree are in high demand and work in administrative and supervisory roles.
Nurses in these positions will earn a higher salary. Similar to other levels of education, upon successful completion of this nursing program, the student is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Earning a bachelor’s degree is advantageous for those who may eventually seek to obtain a master’s degree or doctorate and become an APRN.
Those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another non-nursing career field may qualify to enter the nursing program in an accelerated program.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — A master’s degree in nursing will take roughly 2–3 years to complete after earning a BSN. If entering this program as an RN, there are bridge programs available at some colleges to assist in the transition to earning a higher degree.
The MSN degree path is ideal for those who are looking to obtain more advanced or specialized training and education. Those who pursue this path often major in becoming a certified nurse midwife (CNM), certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), or nurse practitioner (NP).
Some nurses will also earn a degree in tandem with their MSN to propel their career further into leadership, policy making, and business management.
Also, there are direct entry programs for other non-nursing students, depending on previous education.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — This is a newer terminal degree in nursing that takes an average of 4–6 years of full-time studies to complete. The program is incredibly challenging and only a choice few earn their DNP each year.
A DNP is the favored degree among nursing executives as the curriculum will have an emphasis on expanding analytical and critical thinking processes and research skills.
In addition, a DNP is favored for those who want a career in clinical studies, systems management, education, or as an analyst. It is expected that nurses who have earned a DNP will be in an increasingly higher demand over the next decade.
To learn about online DNP degrees, Online Nursing MS Degrees may have some information that is helpful. We do not maintain that site, but our web content coordinator has ensured the site uses a secure https URL.
Before — Prior to admission into the nursing program, some colleges will require the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Exam. Institutions often use this test for evaluating and ranking candidates for admission into their program.
During — Every nursing program will involve both classroom and clinical settings.
Graduation — During the last semester of nursing school, students are required to take and pass the HESI exit exam before graduation. This exam is used by schools to evaluate a student’s readiness to take the NCLEX.
After graduation a standardized exam is taken to demonstrate competency. The standardized exam and the topics differ based on the career path that was chosen.
To prepare themselves, some nursing graduates choose to go through NCLEX review programs before testing.
Below are generalized steps to apply and register for the NCLEX.
New graduates from a nursing program are considered generalists because they have the skills and knowledge to practice on all people with any illness and in any setting. There are many areas of patient care open to nursing graduates. Nurses can specialize in a particular disease, organ or body system, or preventative care setting, for example.
Below is a list of common specialties along with certifications for the corresponding field of interest. To see other nursing specialties visit the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
What’s the right way to display nursing credentials
Since the nursing field is competitive and job hunting can be a daunting task for some, here are some tips to help with the job search.
Ask questions during the interview.
Nurses are health professionals working to provide care in a variety of settings. Nurses can undergo general education and training to prepare them for broad and varied care. They can also pursue specialized knowledge to narrow the field of care provided. Possible nursing career options include primary care, pediatrics, research, trauma, surgical nursing, and infection control. Since the need for nurses is universal throughout the world, nurses might live virtually anywhere, providing general or specialized care for people of any age and in any environment.
Your nursing career: A look at the facts
How to become a Certified Nursing Assistant
With more than 3.1 – 3.6 million registered nurses in the United States, this profession is the largest within the health care field. Registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science degree are in demand.
Occupational employment and wages
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wages and employment information for registered nurses. The median annual wage for registered nurses was $77,600 in May 2021.
Northeastern University shares a graph depicting career options for nurses. Opportunities include working in hospitals, community health, and nursing homes.
Learn about this type of nursing career and the qualifications for it from the New York State Department of Labor.
About the midwifery profession
Certified nurse-midwives improve outcomes for new mothers and their children as primary-care providers during pregnancy and delivery.
Nursing opportunities in public health
Nurses who work in the public health field typically keep regular daytime hours with evenings and weekends free. Public health nurses often work directly with patients in their homes or clinics located in communities.
Career motivation in newly licensed registered nurses: What makes them remain
Newly licensed nurses may work in this career for a short time and then change course, leaving nursing. This report explores issues that may lead nurses to leave the profession and what could motivate them to stay.
Public health nurses share their perspectives and experiences working within this field. Public health nurses may work within school systems or in senior centers, for example.
Types of nursing education programs
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing provides an overview of common nursing education programs, including a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, and practical nursing programs.
Explore the field of registered nursing, learning about typical job opportunities, responsibilities, and potential wages, as outlined by the state of Alaska.
Supply, demand, and use of licensed practical nurses
Licensed practical nurses must study to earn licenses to practice nursing, but the educational requirements are less than registered nursing requirements.
People considering the nursing profession must decide which type of program to pursue education and training. The differences between registered nurses and licensed practical nurses will determine jobs available and earning potential.
LPNs: Are you practicing within your scope?
A newsletter published by the Iowa Board of Nursing explores some of the limitations for licensed practical nurses to ensure that these nurses practice within their limited scope.
The American Nurses Association explores the occupation of nursing and the education process required to become a nurse.
Your future in pediatric nursing
Pediatric nurses practice specialized nursing to care for babies, children, and adolescents. Registered pediatric nurses may work in hospitals, clinics, and schools providing care for children.
The Nurse Journal explores this field of specialty within the nursing profession. Neonatal nurses care for newborn infants experiencing health issues.
Massachusetts General Hospital provides information about the nursing profession, including earnings potential, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement.
Job outlook for registered nurses
Gwynedd Mercy University explores the professional future of registered nurses, providing information about earnings and typical work environment for people working in this field.
Nursing career information for students
The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses explores registered nursing within the field of Women’s Health and Neonatal Care. Nurses specializing within these fields often pursue additional training and certification to increase their skills.
Review the cities offering the best salaries for registered nurses, as presented by Forbes.
Young people considering the nursing profession can learn about this work, including typical tasks and work environments.
The Kentucky Board of Nursing provides an overview of nursing, including various nursing programs that produce nurses with different scopes and pay grades.
The Emergency Nurses Association outlines the typical characteristics of people who make effective emergency nurses. Explore common environments where emergency nurses work, including hospitals and crisis intervention centers.
A person considering a nursing research career must choose the type of program to pursue, including a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Additional educational opportunities are available after completing a master’s degree program as well.
North Carolina anticipates a critical nursing shortage, making this location an attractive state for nurses looking for competitive wages and varied job opportunities.
A hospice nurse’s job can be challenging emotionally due to the nature of the role, but it is also a very valued service for patients and their families.
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners lists education and training requirements and typical job responsibilities.
An advanced practice nurse is a registered nurse with additional training and skills in a specified field, such as midwifery or anesthesia.
Women’s health nurse practitioner
A women’s health nurse practitioner provides specialized care for women in reproduction, gynecology, obstetrics, family planning, eating disorders, and menopause.
Career opportunities in geriatric nursing
Geriatric nurses specialize in caring for the elderly population. Geriatric nurses might work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home care.
The government of Western Australia provides this information on the qualifications and responsibilities of a registered nurse.
Trauma nurses work in emergency rooms and clinics, providing acute care to stabilize injured or ill patients. Registered nurses can earn trauma nurse certification to certify specialized training and knowledge within the field of trauma care.
Careers in plastic surgical nursing FAQs
Plastic surgical nurses may work in hospitals or clinics to provide care for patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures. Nurses in this field may further narrow their specialization by focusing on anesthesia, pediatric, or reconstructive care.
Certified registered nurse anesthetists fact sheet
The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists has published a fact sheet with information about being a certified registered nurse anesthetist, a professional who administers anesthesia to patients during surgical procedures.
Explore the different projected salaries for nurses in different specialties
Pediatric nurses provide care for children in different health care settings. Because children have differing physiology from adults, they require specialized care.
The Nurse Journal presents information about the nursing profession and the opportunities that exist within this field.
Why choose nursing as your career?
Registered nurses can work within a variety of fields to provide health care. Employment opportunities are extensive due to nationwide nurse shortages.
Explore the experiences of first-year nursing students to learn about this field and typical student studies.
The definition of school nursing
The National Association of School Nurses defines this nursing position. The registered nurse working in an academic setting provides case management for students while promoting health and safety.
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Written by
Sarah Gehrke, MSN, RN and last updated March 14, 2018
Last reviewed by
Amanda Spier, RN, BSN
on
Mar 14, 2018