People often think that nursing is a singular profession. But, this couldn’t be far from the truth. Nursing, like many other professions, has different career paths. For example, you could choose to be a general care nurse or even pick a specialty. Nevertheless, there’s always a demand for a nurse’s position. In this article, we shall take a closer look at a few popular types of nursing and the educational nursing programs needed for each.

Registered nurse
Individuals who want to work as a nurse assisting a physician in a hospital or other medical setting need to undertake the registered nurse program. Registered nurses are commonly referred to as RN and are an integral part of the rapidly growing healthcare field. The work of a registered nurse includes providing quality care to the patient, educating patients about the various health conditions, administering medications and treatments, and assisting in diagnostic testing. There are also different types of registered nurse programs based on the degree. To become a registered nurse, individuals need to study for the registered nurse degree (an associate’s degree) or graduate from their nursing program with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Cardiac nurse
Heart diseases and cardiovascular conditions are some of the leading causes of sickness and death in the country. This increase in such cases has also led to an increase in the requirement of healthcare professionals in the field, including nurses. Nurses dedicated to caring for patients who suffer from diseases of the heart and blood vessels are known as cardiac nurses. Cardiac nurses typically work in the intensive care unit (ICU). They also assist with surgical procedures, such as angioplasty and bypass. Cardiac nurses also help provide in-home care for patients with heart troubles or work at rehab centers. To become a cardiac nurse, individuals need to complete their RN degree and then opt for a specialization nursing program in cardiovascular care.

Certified nursing assistant
Certified nursing assistants (CNA) are technically not nurses. Their job involves working very closely with patients while under instruction from the nursing staff that usually consists of RNs. Their work includes providing personal care for patients, helping them bathe, get dressed, and eat. In addition, the demand for certified nursing assistants is high. Nursing assistants, with their unique skills, are a great addition to nursing homes, care facilities, and even hospitals. If you’re looking to become a certified nursing assistant, you must pass a state-approved educational training program and get on-the-job training.

Medical-surgical nurse
Medical-surgical nurses, also known as MS nurses, are assigned to the medical and surgical floors of a hospital. Their job requires them to handle multiple patients and tasks simultaneously, which means that an MS nurse usually has to develop strong time-management skills along with communication, organization, and technical skills. MS nurses also treat different types of ailments and are typically posted to hospitals and clinics. To become a medical-surgical nurse, individuals need to graduate from an RN nursing program.

Licensed practical nurse
Licensed practical nurses, commonly known as LNPs, work closely with registered nurses. Their tasks are two-fold. The first part of their job involves dealing with patients and common tasks include changing bandages, monitoring blood pressure, and even collecting blood and urine samples. The second part of their job requires them to bridge the communication gap among doctors, patients, and other registered nurses. LPNs are in high demand in hospitals, nursing homes, physician clinics, and so on. LPNs are also an essential part of at-home care services. Individuals need to obtain a diploma in a practical nursing program (DPN) to become an LPN. They can also advance in their career path by graduating from a registered nursing program.

Emergency room nurse
Emergency room nurses provide emergency care for patients in the hospital. Their work requires them to treat and handle patients who have life-threatening injuries and diseases. They primarily work with doctors and first-responders and have to possess tons of critical thinking skills. The role of ER nurses includes performing diagnostics and monitoring medication and administration.

Intensive care unit (ICU) registered nurse
ICU RNs are registered nurses who work in the intensive care unit of hospitals. These nurses usually provide complex care to patients who have grave illnesses and conditions. Due to this, ICU nurses are also known as critical care nurses. The job is complex, and many hospitals and clinics require ICU nurses to have continued education and training. To become an ICU nurse, individuals need to complete a primary Bachelor of Science Nursing program.