Types of Nursing Careers
Nursing jobs are very important to the health and well-being of society. Nurses play a vital role in helping people live longer, healthier lives. Nurses are trained to provide safe, high-quality care for patients with acute, chronic, and long-term illnesses and injuries. They work with doctors to help them diagnose and treat patients with accidents or diseases of the body, brain, or nervous system or who need medical or surgical treatment.
Nursing is a broad field that offers many opportunities. There are many nursing careers, and you can find one that fits your interests and skills.
Registered Nurses (RNs):
These nurses work with people in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and other healthcare settings. Their duties vary with their working setting, but they generally provide basic care for patients by following established procedures and adhering to professional standards. Registered nurses also can prescribe medications and perform procedures such as drawing blood or inserting a breathing tube into a patient’s trachea.
Licensed Practical Nurses:
(LPNs) are registered nurses who have completed an extensive training program preparing them for direct patient care in the community. They may work in doctor’s offices, nursing homes, or hospitals. LPNs must meet state requirements for licensure before working independently as practical nurse.
Nurse practitioners:
Nurse practitioners are clinical nurse specialists who work under the supervision of a physician and provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and education to patients. Nurse practitioners must be licensed by the state where they practice and have an additional master’s degree in nursing.
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs):
Certified nurse midwives are licensed professional midwives who provide hospital-based prenatal care, deliver babies at home or in their offices, and perform labor with their equipment and supplies. Besides, they counsel pregnant women about labor options when traditional obstetrical practices fail to prevent complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
Certified practical nurses (CPNs):
These registered nurses have completed the required education and clinical training to complete the scope of practice. CPNs provide direct patient care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health care, and other settings. CPNs perform routine patient care, such as changing bandages, managing intravenous fluids, and administering medications. They also may help with feeding and moving patients. They may work alone or with other nurses.
Nurse anesthetists:
Nurse anesthetists are highly trained, skilled professionals who specialize in administering anesthesia for surgery, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. They provide comprehensive services, including pain management, patient monitoring, communication, and support during surgical procedures.
Oncology Nursing:
Oncology nurses care for patients with cancer and other diseases that affect the body’s immune system. They work in medical centers, hospitals, and clinics to provide patients various services, including surgical procedures, chemotherapy treatment, and diagnostic tests. Oncology nurses spend most of their time caring for patients in the hospital setting. While oncology nurses may specialize in one area of medicine or care for multiple types of patients, they must be skilled at treating various illnesses and injuries related to cancer treatment.
Key Takeaway
Nursing is a profession that requires a high level of education and training to become a registered nurse (RN). Registered nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They are also commonly employed by corporations, schools, and private businesses.