Do you want to join the healthcare field but are not interested in becoming a doctor? Nursing is a highly rewarding and fulfilling career, with many different paths to choose from.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make a change, it’s important to understand the different nursing career options available to you. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular nursing career paths available to you.
We’ll also discuss some of the key differences between these roles, as well as the education and training required to pursue them.
Registered Nurses (RNs)
RNs are the most common type of nurse, and when you find out what they can do, you may be surprised. They provide a wide range of care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. RNs are responsible for administering medication.
They also monitor vital signs and help with diagnostic tests. They collaborate closely with medical practitioners of all kinds. They do so to develop treatment plans and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
To become an RN, you’ll need to complete an accredited nursing program, which typically takes two to four years. After graduation, passing the National Council Licensure Examination is the next step.
This is to become licensed to practice. RNs can also choose to specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or oncology.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
LPNs are another type of nurse that provides basic care to patients under the supervision of RNs and doctors. They frequently work in long-term care institutions, including nursing homes, hospitals, and other places.
Similarly to RNs, LPNs can also provide medication, check vital signs, and help with diagnostic tests. To guarantee that patients receive the finest treatment possible, they also collaborate closely with patients’ relatives.
To become an LPN, you’ll need to complete a vocational or practical nursing program, which typically takes one year. Passing the National Council Licensure Examination, which gives you a license to practice, is the next step.
After becoming licensed, LPNs may also choose various professions from different fields of specialization.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
NPs are advanced practice nurses who have added education and training beyond that of RNs and LPNs. They have the capacity to identify and treat diseases. They can also prescribe medication and order and interpret diagnostic tests.
They often work in primary care settings and may have their own patients or work as part of a healthcare team. To become an NP, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and then go on to complete a master’s or doctorate degree in nursing.
Nurse Practitioners also need to pass a national certification exam and obtain a state license. NPs have the option of specializing in a particular branch of nursing specialty that they choose.
Your Possible Nursing Career Paths
Nursing career paths are diverse and rewarding careers with many different paths to choose from.
RNs, LPNs, and NPs are all important members of the healthcare team, and they each play a unique role in providing care to patients. With the right education and training, you can find the nursing career path that’s right for you. Visit our blog about The Benefits of CPR Training today for more!
