Types of Nurses
Nursing is a diverse profession with many specialties. Each type of nurse
plays a crucial role in healthcare. From bedside care to advanced practice,
nurses make a significant impact on patient outcomes.
by Stealthy Sender
Registered Nurse (RN)
1 Education 2 Responsibilities
RNs complete a nursing They provide direct patient
program and pass a national care, administer
licensing exam. medications, and coordinate
treatment plans.
3 Settings
RNs work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and various healthcare
facilities.
Licensed Practical Nurse
(LPN) or Licensed
Vocational Nurse (LVN)
1 Education
LPNs/LVNs complete a practical nursing program, typically
lasting one year.
2 Duties
They provide basic nursing care under the supervision of
RNs or doctors.
3 Career Path
Many LPNs/LVNs continue their education to become RNs
for career advancement.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Advanced Practice Specializations Autonomy
NPs have advanced training and can They often specialize in areas like In some states, NPs can operate
diagnose conditions and prescribe family practice, pediatrics, or geriatrics. independent practices without
medications. physician oversight.
Certified Nursing Assistant
(CNA)
Basic Care Training
CNAs provide essential daily They complete a state-
care like bathing, dressing, and approved education program
feeding patients. and competency exam.
Supervision Career Start
CNAs work under the Many use this role as a
supervision of RNs and stepping stone to other nursing
LPNs/LVNs. careers.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
(CNS)
Advanced Expertise
1 CNSs are expert clinicians with advanced degrees in
specialized areas of nursing.
Leadership
2 They often take on leadership roles, improving nursing
practices and patient outcomes.
Research
3 CNSs conduct research and implement evidence-based
practices in clinical settings.
Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetist (CRNA)
Education Master's or Doctoral degree in
nurse anesthesia
Responsibilities Administer anesthesia, monitor
patients during surgery
Work Settings Hospitals, outpatient surgery
centers, dental offices
Salary Range One of the highest-paid nursing
specialties
Nurse Midwife
Prenatal Care
Provide comprehensive care throughout pregnancy and postpartum
period.
Childbirth
Assist in natural childbirth and collaborate with doctors when necessary.
Education
Offer family planning and reproductive health education to patients.
Psychiatric Nurse
Group Therapy Medication Management Assessment
Psychiatric nurses often lead group They play a crucial role in administering Psychiatric nurses perform mental
therapy sessions for various mental and monitoring psychiatric medications. health assessments and develop
health conditions. treatment plans.
Public Health Nurse
1 Community Education
Public health nurses organize health education programs
in communities.
2 Disease Prevention
They implement vaccination programs and conduct disease
surveillance.
3 Policy Advocacy
These nurses advocate for health policies to improve
population health.
4 Disaster Response
Public health nurses play a vital role in emergency and
disaster response.
