What Are Levels of Nursing?

Nursing Levels: Opening Remarks

Nurses are classified into three types: non-degree, degree, and advanced degree. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are non-degree nurses who complete nursing education programs that do not result in a degree.

Certified Nursing Assistant

CNA or certified nursing assistant is the first level of the nursing career level. Nursing Assistants do not consider nurses, but they work under the careful supervision of experienced nursing staff. A great difference between CNAs and usual nurses or doctors is that nursing assistants spend much more time with patients. Their job is mainly to take care of patients and ensure their comfort.

The main advantage of this vacancy is that it will take you only one to two months to get this specialty and will give you a great start in your medical career.

Licensed Practical Nurse

LPN is another stage in the nursing sphere. Licensed practical nurses have much more responsibilities than CNAs. At this stage, nurses receive the right to take part in some simple physical care tasks. Usually, practical nurses check blood pressure, change bandages, give injections, and even insert catheters. As you may have noticed, the daily work of LPNs includes monitoring the overall health condition of patients. Unlike the CNA Practical nurse should finish the 1-year program and pass the NCLEX-PN license exam.

Registered Nurse

A registered nurse is a nurse in the standard view of most people. Unlike CNAs and LPNs, a registered nurse can participate in the treatment of the patient and also communicate directly with the attending physicians.

Sometimes registered nurses can even supervise the CNAs and LPNs. Also, it’s worth mentioning that once you become an RN, a lot of other opportunities open to you. However, to achieve this position, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Advanced Practise Registered Nurse

You need to have a lot of experience as a registered nurse before applying for the position of advanced practice registered nurse. However, you need to be ready to take leadership into your hands since most of your day will include administrative and management work. While other registered nurses will be dealing with taking care of the patients and realization of the treatment, you will be the person that is directing the care and treatment plan. Also, APRNs spend much more time in touch with doctors and start working in this position. You will have to spend years to receive a Master of science in nursing.