Nursing MSN & DNP

| 15 January 2023

The data in this blog is for general informational purposes only and information presented was accurate as of the publication date.

Four Different Types of Jobs in Nursing

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From providing daily patient care to helping perform diagnostic tests and operating medical equipment, nurses are the glue that holds the healthcare profession together.1 However, not all nurses perform the same duties. The field of nursing is as broad and varied as the types of care that nurses provide—and there’s a range of opportunities for aspiring nurses.1

Whether you’re launching a healthcare career or thinking of pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree or another nursing path, it helps to know your options. We’ll walk through the four main types of nursing jobs and a few potential specialties to help you choose the right nursing career.

What Are the Four Main Types of Nurses?

There are many different nursing jobs and specialties.1 Learning the four key levels of nursing jobs can help guide you.2

The following positions are organized by the nurse’s level of education and licensing, but there are many ways to advance your career and assume more responsibilities.2

#1 Certified Nursing Assistants

A certified nursing assistant (CNA), also known as a nurse aide, works under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) to prepare rooms and help patients bathe, eat and drink.3 They are often the first line of care for patients and provide assistance with a myriad of basic daily needs.3

While some CNAs work in hospitals, they’re often hired in long-term care facilities.3 This position could act as a stepping stone for those who think they might want to gain experience and hands-on knowledge to pursue a career in healthcare.3

You don’t need a degree or nursing license to become a CNA, however, you do need certification and state licensure.3 Certified Nurse Assistant programs typically take between four to twelve weeks to complete and require 75 hours of training.3

#2 Licensed Practical Nurses (or Licensed Vocational Nurses)

Like CNAs, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) typically work under the supervision of RNs, physicians or other medical professionals.4 They are also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs).4

LPNs share some daily tasks with CNAs, but they are less likely to perform basic wellness tasks, like changing bed sheets, and are more likely to administer medications, observe vital signs and communicate between patients, families and the rest of the care team.4 This higher level of responsibility requires additional qualifications. LPN training programs take approximately a year to complete and require state licensure.4

Four Different Types of Jobs in Nursing

#3 Registered Nurses

Registered nurses share responsibilities with some of the previous positions and may also be responsible for assessing the patient’s condition, completing physical examinations, operating medical equipment and helping perform diagnostic tests.1 They may also perform managerial duties, such as developing care plans.1

The first step to become an RN is to complete an approved nursing education program, such as an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The former generally takes two to three years to complete, while the latter typically requires four years of study.5 After earning a nursing degree, RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam to become licensed.6

#4 Nurse Practitioners

The next level of nursing roles is a Nurse Practitioner (NP), which is a type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).7 The responsibilities of an NP are similar to a physician’s duties; they can prescribe medications, diagnose patients and offer treatments.7

In some states, NPs have full practice authority and don’t need a doctor’s supervision to provide nursing care.7 In others, they have the same responsibilities, but need a doctor to sign off on some decisions.7

Before becoming an NP, you must first become an RN, usually with a BSN.7 Then, you can enroll in one of two graduate degree programs:8 a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program which will allow you to level up your nursing knowledge and skills in order to take on more responsibility or specialize in a particular field, such as forensics.8

  • DNP – A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program can be completed after an MSN, or by entering a BSN-DNP program.8 This is one of the highest qualifications a nurse can achieve, and one that opens the door to many leadership styles and roles in nursing.8 If you want to impact the healthcare industry from a high level, a DNP might be for you.

Once you’ve received your degree, you will need to obtain an NP license in your state.7

Other Nursing Fields

Aside from the four main types of nursing jobs, there are many other specialties to consider. Each requires varying degrees of certification and education.

Some specialties available to RNs include:9

  • Emergency room (ER) nurses – This specialty is ideal for nurses who prefer a fast-paced environment and juggling multiple patients with potentially severe conditions.9
  • Operating room (OR) nurses – These nurses perform a variety of duties in the Operating Room (OR), from ensuring medical equipment is working properly to monitoring patients during surgery.9
  • Pediatric nurses – A pediatric nurse practitioner performs typical nursing work, but with babies, toddlers and other children.9
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses – A neonatal nurse practitioner position is best suited for nurses with excellent communication skills and empathy. ICU nurses care for newborns in critical condition and confer with their parents.9

Some specialties may require a higher degree of education, such as an MSN or DNP. A few of these advanced roles include:

  • FNPFamily nurse practitioners (FNPs) treat patients of all ages, from babies to seniors.10 It’s a position with a broad scope, as you need to know how to treat patients with different needs and health histories.10 This position may be ideal for those who love variety in their work.
  • PMHNPPsychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), or psychiatric nurse practitioners, are NPs who specialize in mental health issues.11 They do much of what a psychiatrist does: diagnose and treat problems, provide therapy and prescribe medication.11
  • AGNP – Adult gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs) manage the care of patients – from young adulthood to old age. They typically work in hospital outpatient clinics, hospital inpatient units and private group practices.18
  • Nurse educatorThese nurses work in the academic field and teach students, conduct research and develop curriculum.9 A nurse educator is similar to a professor of nursing, and an MSN is required.9
  • Nurse executive – This senior role leads the nursing team and oversees the administrative side of patient care services. They innovate new processes, influence policies, improve patient care and advance the role of nursing in their organizations.19

Four Different Types of Jobs in Nursing

Choosing the Right Nursing Field

With so many nursing career options, how do you decide which path to pursue?

It depends on what you want in a career and the amount of time and resources you have to earn your education. If you want to work in healthcare with a steady nursing job and fewer responsibilities, a CNA position may be for you.9 If you have your eyes on a specialized role, you may want to earn an MSN and become a Nurse Practitioner. If you want to call the shots and assume managerial responsibilities, you’ll probably need a DNP.8

Let’s explore some common questions about different types of nursing jobs and their career outlooks.

Which Nursing Job Has the Most Autonomy?

NPs tend to have the most autonomy of all nursing jobs.7, 12 In some states, they can even operate independent practices.

Nurse educators and administrators, as well as non-hospital roles like home health professionals and school nurses, also enjoy a level of autonomy.12

What Is the Most In-Demand Nursing Job?

While all healthcare positions are expected to rise in demand over the next decade, NPs have the best outlook of all nurses: Nurse practitioners are projected to be one of the ten fastest growing jobs in the economy,13 with an expected growth of 40% between 2021 and 2031.14

While NP opportunities are increasing quickly, RNs have more job openings. By the year 2031, an estimated 195,400 RN jobs are expected to open up, as opposed to the 118,600 openings for NPs.15

Due to an aging population, new emphasis on preventative care and a rise in chronic conditions, healthcare is an industry that continues to promise plentiful job opportunities.15

What Is the Highest-Paid Nursing Job?

With their higher education level, APRNs typically earn the highest pay.14 APRNs (the Bureau of Labor Statistics includes nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists) in the U.S. had a median salary of $123,780 in 2021.14

During the same year, RNs logged a median annual salary of $77,60015, LPNs were at $48,07016 and nursing assistants (NAs), $30,290.17

In other words, the more you learn, the more you can earn.14

Boost Your Nursing Career

Determining which nursing path appeals to you can help you set the foundation for a satisfying and rewarding career. The next step is to pursue your education.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers student-first education to develop healthcare professionals across many fields and levels. Our five beautiful campuses in Florida, Texas and Southern California boast state-of-the-art laboratories and high-quality digital learning.

Our flexible and supportive online nursing programs work with you to create a study plan that aligns with your schedule. Learn more about the nursing programs at USAHS by requesting information today.

 

Sources:

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