If nursing is the career path you have chosen, it only makes sense that you are interested in understanding what will be available to you when you begin the journey. There are several levels of nursing, and depending on how far you want to go in your nursing career will depend on what it is you want to achieve.
Are you interested in getting into the throes of it all, offering top patient care? Or are you more suited to being in a specialist position?
This piece is designed to help you understand the levels of nursing so you can get an idea of what might be perfect for you.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Nursing assistants are the backbone of care. They are who take care of you when you are not able to take care of yourself. They assist with tasks such as dressing, eating, and bathing, and can help people maintain a quality of life that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to. Certified nursing assistants are also there to provide compassionate care, which includes providing companionship and comfort.
With relevant training and abiding by state guidelines, you might also see CNAs be able to administer medication to patients and monitor their vitals.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical (or vocational) nurses are there to provide communication between the patient and the health care team. They can also perform basic medical tasks, which can include checking and reporting vital signs, taking blood, and inserting catheters for example. They may also be seen performing care tasks such as feeding a patient.
At this level, a licensed practical nurse will also be able to communicate with family members of the patient and educate both them and the patient on the right care plan.
Registered Nurse (RN)
A registered nurse is what people picture when the word ‘nurse’ is used. This makes sense, as this role is very much an all-rounder when it comes to the nursing profession. There is a wide variety of roles that nurses play in patient care, such as being responsible for monitoring patient symptoms, using medical equipment, creating, or maintaining a plan of care, collaborating with doctors, and also the paperwork that comes along with it – such as recording patient medical history. RNs can also be responsible for overseeing CNAs, LPNs, and other healthcare staff, and can also specialize in an area they are interested in – for example, a geriatric care nurse.
This is a level that is extremely diverse and gets into the heart of patient care while allowing you to branch off into different avenues. Consider the levels of nursing degrees to see which fits you.
Higher Qualifications and Advanced Roles
For those who want to take on more responsibility, have more autonomy, or specialize in a top-level nursing niche, there are higher qualifications, such as a master’s and doctorate in nursing. These roles will see a higher salary, too! However, choose what level is best for you and your interests.
