Licensed Practical Nurses
LPNs usually have undergone eighteen months to two years of training in anatomy and physiology, medications, and practical patient care. They must pass state or national boards and renew their license periodically. LPNs perform simple as well as complex medical procedures but must operate under the supervision of a registered nurse or a physician. They can administer most medications, perform measurements (for example, blood pressure, temperature), keep records, perform CPR, maintain sterile and isolation conditions, and administer basic care.
Registered Nurses
RNs are professional nurses who often supervise the tasks performed by LPNs, orderlies, and nursing assistants. They provide direct care and make decisions regarding the care for healthy, ill, and injured people. They have a diploma, associate degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree in nursing at entry level, and after passing state board examinations, are granted the title registered nurse. Regardless of degree, RNs have many hours of clinical experience before graduating. RNs are the largest healthcare occupation in the U.S.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
APRNs are registered nurses with advanced education, knowledge, skills, and scope of practice. APRNs possess a master's or doctoral degree in nursing and may also sit for additional certification examinations. APRNs may function as a certified nurse midwife (CNM), nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). They perform primary health care, provide mental health services, diagnose and prescribe, carry out research, and educate the public and other professionals.
LPNs usually have undergone eighteen months to two years of training in anatomy and physiology, medications, and practical patient care. They must pass state or national boards and renew their license periodically. LPNs perform simple as well as complex medical procedures but must operate under the supervision of a registered nurse or a physician. They can administer most medications, perform measurements (for example, blood pressure, temperature), keep records, perform CPR, maintain sterile and isolation conditions, and administer basic care.
Registered Nurses
RNs are professional nurses who often supervise the tasks performed by LPNs, orderlies, and nursing assistants. They provide direct care and make decisions regarding the care for healthy, ill, and injured people. They have a diploma, associate degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree in nursing at entry level, and after passing state board examinations, are granted the title registered nurse. Regardless of degree, RNs have many hours of clinical experience before graduating. RNs are the largest healthcare occupation in the U.S.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
APRNs are registered nurses with advanced education, knowledge, skills, and scope of practice. APRNs possess a master's or doctoral degree in nursing and may also sit for additional certification examinations. APRNs may function as a certified nurse midwife (CNM), nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). They perform primary health care, provide mental health services, diagnose and prescribe, carry out research, and educate the public and other professionals.