Nurses Compass
Patient Care Assistant / Certified Nursing Assistant (PCA/CNA)
Education Requirements: High school diploma and completion of a state-approved education program.
Work Experience: None required for entry-level positions, but experience in a healthcare setting can be beneficial.
PCA/CNAs provide basic patient care under the supervision of nursing staff. They assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients, as well as taking vital signs and observing patients' conditions.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Education Requirements: Completion of an accredited practical nursing program.
Work Experience: Clinical experience obtained during the nursing program.
LPNs provide basic medical care, including administering medication, monitoring patient health, and assisting with patient comfort. They must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain licensure.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Education Requirements: Associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program.
Work Experience: Clinical experience obtained during the nursing program.
RNs coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide emotional support. They must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure.
Registered Nurse / Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN/BSN)
Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program.
Work Experience: Clinical experience obtained during the nursing program.
An RN with a BSN has advanced education and training, providing more career opportunities and the potential for leadership roles.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Education Requirements: Master's or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program.
Work Experience: Clinical experience obtained during the nursing program; often requires prior experience as an RN.
NPs provide primary and specialty healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medication, and managing patient care.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Education Requirements: Doctoral degree in nursing (DNP) from an accredited program.
Work Experience: Extensive clinical experience; often requires prior experience as an NP or RN.
The DNP is a terminal degree that focuses on clinical practice-oriented leadership, preparing nurses for the highest levels of practice and administration.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Education Requirements: Master's or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program.
Work Experience: Clinical experience obtained during the nursing program; often requires prior experience as an RN.
CNSs are expert clinicians in specialized areas of nursing, providing advanced care, consultation, and education to improve patient outcomes.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Education Requirements: Master's degree in nursing with a specialization in midwifery from an accredited program.
Work Experience: Clinical experience obtained during the nursing program; often requires prior experience as an RN.
CNMs provide primary care to women, including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, as well as gynecological and reproductive health services.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Education Requirements: Master's or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia from an accredited program.
Work Experience: Minimum of one year of experience in an acute care setting; often requires prior experience as an RN.
CRNAs administer anesthesia and provide anesthesia care before, during, and after surgical procedures.