Nursing Career Options
Registered nurses (RNs)
Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients’ family members. The three major educational paths to registered nursing are a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, and a diploma from an approved nursing program....
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.The nature of the direction and supervision required varies by State and job setting...
Nursing aides also known as nurse aides, nursing assistants, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), geriatric aides, unlicensed assistive personnel, orderlies, or hospital attendants provide hands-on care and perform routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and medical staff. Specific tasks vary, with aides handling many aspects of a patient’s care...