Are you guys looking to make your career in nursing? Well, that’s the best decision as this profession is dynamic, allowing you to explore multiple opportunities. Furthermore, it offers various levels, allowing you to choose the ones that suit your academic needs. Hence, before you take admission, understanding the levels of nursing practice is vital. It will help you determine what you need to do in the future.
Each nursing practice level plays a vital role in healthcare. From basic patient care roles to advanced ones, you can explore various pathways. So, come on! Leave whatever you are doing and pay attention to our guide. Here, we will talk about the levels of nursing practice.
1. Certified Nursing Assistant
Here comes the first level of nursing practice. Think of them as a middleman helping nurses and patients communicate effectively. Additionally, their role is to look after patients’ needs, offer support, and help them with general tasks like bathing, feeding, and mobility needs. For those who can’t walk by themselves, these nursing assistants help them out.
If you want to become a CNA, getting a high school diploma is a must. Moreover, there is an 8-week nursing-approved education program. Hence, you have to take this to gain some clinical experience. Also, there are certain assessments you need to give before you can start your professional life.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse
Do you want to explore more basic nursing roles? Then, become an LPN. The role of a practical nurse is to check the medicines given to the patients and report to doctors in case of any changes. Additionally, they are involved in physical tasks like taking blood pressure, giving injections, changing bandages, and being responsible for IVs.
If you want to become an LPN, then undergoing vocational qualifications is vital. There is a 1-year program that you need to take. Additionally, to fully receive the state licence, you must pass NCLEX.
3. Registered Nurse
Here comes another level of nursing practice. For those looking for regular nursing roles, RN is a perfect option to consider. When it comes to patient care, they play a vital role. On top of that, they are responsible for all the duties, including looking after patients, providing medicines, assisting doctors in creating treatment plans, etc.
Furthermore, as an RN, you can explore more complex roles like becoming a paediatrician. For this, you need to study hard and do assignments. The reason? It will help you provide the best child care. You can also seek childcare assignment help for this. They will help you out. However, to become an RN, you need to have qualifications in ADN or BSN. The earning salary for an RN is 87,775.
4. APRN
Another level of practice includes APRN. It is part of RN. And while the former focuses on patient care, the APRNs generally direct the care plan. There are various types of APRNs. They include:
- Nurse practitioners
- Clinical specialists
- Nurse midwives
- Nurse anaesthetists
Moreover, with this level, you can explore different career opportunities. From becoming a nursing director to an educator, there is so much for you to explore. While it is beneficial, you also need more advanced qualifications. Here are some requirements for this program. They include:
- Getting an RN qualification.
- Having one year of working experience as an RN is vital.
- Doing MSN (an 18-24 months program) before you finally can proceed to work is a must.
5. Doctor of Nursing Practice
DNP is more of a degree than a role. They help prepare the future generation of nurses. Furthermore, they also do research, contributing to the field study. They come up with different strategies for better patient care. Additionally, they also ensure to maintain the academic standards.
You can get a doctor of nursing practice degree by pursuing a bachelor’s program. Additionally, having 4 to 5 research experiences from a known university is a must. You should also work as an RN or APRN.
Wrapping Up!
So, that’s it! There are levels of nursing practice. From nursing assistant to practical nurse, RN, APRN, and DNP, there is so much for you to explore. Furthermore, choosing the level of practice depends on your goals and aspirations. Hence, before pursuing, ensure what you want to do in your career, and see if these levels meet your plans.
