Nursing

Nursing Career Descriptions: Website Source

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) does not hold the same certification as an RN. The LPN takes the patient's vital signs, administers medicines, gives injections, and is supervised by RNs. The LPN must pass a different licensing exam than an RN. Some states require a one-year diploma program of Practical Nursing while others don't require diplomas. The median annual salary is $48,000.

• Registered Nurse (RN): There are two paths to becoming an RN (Registered Nurse). The first is a four-year degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the other is a two-year degree, an ASN (Associate of Science in Nursing). For both degrees, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and any other licensures your state requires. A BSN degreed RN often earns more than an ASN degreed RN. RNs can work in hospitals, private practice doctor offices, clinics, operating room, ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and many medical specialty arenas. The median annual salary is around $72,000.

• Nurse Practitioner (NP): A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an RN trained in a specialty field of medicine. NPs can see patients, prescribe medicines, order tests, and can perform many of same duties as a doctor. Most states require a Master of Science degree in Nursing. NPs can work in various medical environments, such as doctor private practices, clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities. The median annual salary is $114,000.

• Nurse Anesthetists (NA): A Nurse Anesthetist (NA) administers anesthesia to patients while monitoring the patient's vital signs. The NA also oversees the patient's recovery from anesthesia. This position may also assist anesthesiologists, dentists, surgeons, etc. With this degree, you can find employment working in doctor offices, medical/surgical hospitals, outpatient centers, academia, home healthcare, and other medical specialty fields. An NA must be an RN with a specialty master's degree in APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse). NAs must pass a national certification exam and be licensed in their state. The median annual salary is around $175,000.

• Nurse Midwife (NW): Nurse Midwives (NW) are RNs with a master's degree APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse). Some complete an accredited midwifery education program. The duties include coordinating the patient's care. In some instances, NWs provide the primary and specialty healthcare, such as prenatal and postnatal care. National certification is required, along with any state licensure requirements. The median annual salary is around $104,000.