Different Degrees Of Nursing
Nursing is a field of healthcare that requires training beyond high school, and there are many different types of nursing degrees. The most common ones are listed here:
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with a master’s or doctoral degree. They have the same license as a registered nurse, but they can diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses; they can prescribe medication; they can perform minor surgery; and sometimes even major surgery.
Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists are highly specialized nurses who assist physicians in the delivery of anesthesia. They have a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and must pass a national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Although they work under the direction of a physician, nurse anesthetsits are responsible for administering anesthesia before, during, or after surgery.
Nurse anesthetists may also be involved in supervising other health care professionals who administer or manage anesthesia. They may see patients before or after surgery, perform diagnostic procedures using equipment like x-rays and ultrasound machines, coordinate patient care with other medical professionals such as surgeons and radiologists as well as monitor patients recovering from anesthesia
Public Health Nurses
Public health nurses are the most common type of nurse. They are responsible for the health of their community and work in a variety of ways:
- Public health nurses may work at hospitals, schools, or local clinics. Their main focus is to ensure that all members of society have access to high-quality healthcare services. As such, they can be found doing things like administering vaccinations, teaching about nutrition and exercise habits, and assisting people who have chronic diseases or injuries with their rehabilitation plans.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are nurses who have earned a master’s degree in nursing and can perform advanced procedures and make decisions based on their clinical judgment. They provide direct patient care, and they may also supervise other nurses. CNSs are trained to provide complex medical services to patients with multiple medical issues, or those who require specialized treatment such as intensive care, pain management or post-operative recovery.
Certified Nursing Assistants
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide assistance to registered nurses and other healthcare professionals. They perform a variety of tasks that help nurses and other healthcare professionals in the delivery of health care services. Some examples of these tasks include:
- Providing basic care such as feeding, bathing, dressing and grooming patients
- Assisting with patient care
- Recording vital signs such as pulse rates, respiration rates and temperature readings on patients’ charts
- Administering medications according to doctor’s orders
- Collecting specimens for laboratory tests
The Four Main Types Of Nursing Degrees
There are several different types of nursing degrees. Each type has its own set of requirements, responsibilities and job outlook. Here are the four main types:
- Associate in Nursing (A.N.)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.)
- Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.)
- Doctorate Degree
Nursing degrees have a lot of options. The best one for you depends on your goals, interests and the type of nursing career that appeals to you most. If you’re considering studying nursing at university level, it’s good to know what each degree program entails so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.