If you are considering a career in nursing, there is a vast array of specialty fields to choose from. Once you have completed nursing school, you can choose to work in settings such as a physician’s office, an emergency room, home care or specialty clinics. Aside from choosing a career in a traditional field, nurses can also choose a specialty, such as forensics, geriatrics or critical care. Nursing is an exciting career that allows you to help people as well as make a difference. Here are some of the different nursing careers available.
Registered Nursing
Working as a registered nurse (RN) is a demanding, but rewarding career. Working as an RN requires you to earn a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. You may choose to earn an associate, bachelors, masters or doctorate in nursing. In most situations, the higher the level of your degree, the more earning potential you have. Certain nursing positions require you to hold a degree as well as certification in a specialization. For example, to work as a forensic nurse, you may be required to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing and a certificate for forensics.
Licensed Practical Nurse
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) has duties such as taking patient history information, recording patient vitals, changing dressings and giving medications. An LPN typically works in a hospital; however, many of them also work in medical facilities, such as nursing care centers. An LPN usually is required to work with a registered nurse. An LPN nursing degree is ideal for those who are interested in working with geriatric patients or would like to work in nursing while they are completing a higher degree.
Nursing Assistant
A certified nursing assistant is typically assigned tasks such as feeding, bathing and changing dressings for their patients. Nursing assistants are often employed in medical environments, such as nursing homes, hospice care centers and hospitals. A nursing assistant is usually supervised by a registered nurse and often assists registered nurses in assigned tasks. Many people choose to earn their certificate as a nursing assistant so they can work in the medical field while earning a nursing degree for LPN or registered nursing.
Going to Nursing School
There are several questions to ask yourself before you start your search for a nursing school. For example, it is important to decide how much time you want to spend in nursing school and what type of nursing you are interested in. Questions like these will help you choose not only the best nursing school for your needs but also help you be aware of any specialty courses you will need.
If you know you want to work in a nursing career, but aren’t sure which nursing degree is best suited for you, contact us at the American Institute of Alternative Medicine to learn more information about the different options in nursing.