Eight types of nurses
Nurses are respected and valued members of the medical community. They play a fundamental role in the field of health care. Although the medical field is made up of many types of nurses, they are all exciting and rewarding careers. The following list describes many types of nursing careers:
– Registered Nurse (RN): Registered nurses work in almost all areas of the health care profession. They perform many tasks including: administering treatments such as medications, performing certain medical procedures, monitoring vital signs, advising and supporting patients, educating patients about medical conditions, and keeping families updated on the patient’s status. Registered nurses can specialize in certain medical areas
– Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Certified Nursing Assistants are also known as Nursing Assistants, Patient Care Technicians, Home Health Aides, and Home Health Aides. CNAs are employed in a number of health care fields. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, and adult homes. CNAs perform a number of tasks including: monitoring health, such as recording patients’ temperature, pulse, and respiration, assisting patients with eating, bathing, and dressing, assisting patients with walking, maintaining patient rooms, patients in order, provide nutritious meals, answer patient calls bells and make beds. They can also help patients get to exam rooms and even help with simple procedures. CNAs report to a registered nurse.
– Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Although Licensed Practical Nurses have less training than Registered Nurses, they are employed in all areas of health care. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and medical clinics. LPNs perform tasks such as monitoring a patient’s general condition, administering injections, recording vital signs, and applying bandages. They will also help patients with personal hygiene and report any reactions to treatment.
– Intensive Care Nurse: An Intensive Care Nurse works with seriously injured and ill patients in the hospital. This type of nurse works in the ICU (intensive care unit) or CCU (critical care unit). Her job is to care for patients who are being treated for serious and life-threatening illnesses.
– Traveling Nurse: A traveling nurse is a nurse who travels to different areas and provides short-term support when there is a shortage of nurses. They will be replaced when a full-time nurse takes maternity leave, during peak work hours, if a nurse has a long-term illness, or if a nurse is on extended vacation. There are short-term assignments, but they are very well paid. An assignment typically lasts approximately 13 weeks. Travel nurses often work in hospitals and medical clinics. Employers will provide many benefits, such as free housing and health insurance.
– Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs): These nurses perform the same job function as Licensed Practical Nurses. LVNs provide certain medical services, such as giving enemas, treating pressure ulcers, dressing wounds, and recording vital signs. They also help patients bathe and dress.
– Public Health Nurse (PHN): These nurses are registered nurses who have specialized in community health. They often go to community centers, homes and schools where they help individuals and families with health problems. They work with community organizers on health-related issues. They also perform the same functions as registered nurses.
– Nurse Practitioner: A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has specialized training and education that enables him or her to perform many tasks normally performed by a physician. Such tasks include diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries. Some states allow practical nurses to write prescriptions.
These are just some of the most popular areas of nursing. Nurses are on the front lines of health care and are often the first people patients encounter when faced with a health issue. Nurses provide valuable support to patients and their families, making them an indispensable part of the healthcare community.