Different types of nurses require different levels of nursing.
The education a nurse requires depends on the level of her position and specialty. A nurse provides direct patient care under the direction of a physician or a supervising nurse. Nurses also assist physicians during surgeries and some care for patients in the home. According to PayScale, the average salary of a registered nurse is between $46,606 and $66,766 as of December 2010.
Nursing Assistant
Nursing assistants provide care to patients under the direction of registered nurses. While a nursing assistant is an entry-level employee, a certificate is necessary to work in the position. Community colleges offer certificate programs for nursing assistants, but require the student to take prerequisite courses before beginning the program. Students must complete courses in medical terminology, CPR, structure of the human body, first aid and the basics of computer.
The certification program teaches the nursing assistant student to bathe, feed and care for patients. The course includes clinical training in a hospital or nursing facility.
LPN
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) complete a program with a community college or vocational school to qualify to sit for a licensure examination. An LPN program usually takes a year to complete and trains students in basic nursing care. LPNs monitor patients, take samples and assist registered nurses in patient care.
Registered Nurse
LPNs can complete the education to be a registered nurse (RN) with an LPN-to-RN program, which requires less time than a four-year bachelor's degree program. Registered nurses may also qualify for the examination and licensure with an Associate of Science in Nursing program or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to qualify for the registered nursing examination, called the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Advanced Practice Nurse
Advanced practice nurses have a master's degree in nursing and they include nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and midwives. An advanced practice nurse is the highest level of nursing and in some states can write prescriptions or run a practice without consultation with a physician.
Tags: care patients, LPNs complete, nursing assistant, patient care, registered nurses, Science Nursing
