As you embark on your nursing career, there are many opportunities to accomplish your goals and make a difference in health care and patient care. Each opportunity is unique and varies with your interests, passions and the levels of education you want to attain.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)
Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, are nursing aides or nursing assistants generally employed in long-term nursing care settings and work in-home care. CNAs have direct patient interaction and assist with the daily activities of patients, such as eating, dressing, bathing and other routine tasks.
- Requirements: High school diploma or GED and completion of a state-approved CNA program for certification.
- Earnings: Average $30,825 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, provide patient care and can be the primary liaison between the health care team and the patient and their family. LPNs can do basic monitoring of a patient’s health by changing bandages, starting IVs, taking blood pressure and inserting catheters.
- Requirements: Completing a successful Practical Nursing Program and state licensure after passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
- Earnings: $48,070 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses, or RNs, can administer medications, among other health care duties, such as contributing to a patient’s health care plan of care and teaming with medical doctors. Specialties include cardiac care nurse, case management nursing and travel nursing.
- Requirements: Completion of either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and state licensure after passing the National Council Licensure for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
- Earnings: RN with ADN $76,959, RN with BSN $85,051 with BSN, annually according to nurse.org
Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Nurse practitioners, or NPs, are a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). An NP, in addition to the duties of an RN, can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications and provide more advanced interventions to patients. NPs can work in hospitals and long-term care facilities and can be found in private practices and clinics. Family Nurse Practitioners specialize in family medicine and are in demand in underserved rural communities.
- Requirements: An RN license and have worked one year as an RN, the completion of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and passing a national NP board certification exam. Many FNPs also earn an additional educational certificate after earning their master’s degrees.
- Earnings: FNP $123,780 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
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