Nursing as a Profession

Nursing is the protection, promotion and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities and populations, according to the American Nurses Association’s Social Policy Statement (2003).

There are many different types of nurses, ranging from Licensed Practical Nurses (or in some states, Licensed Vocational Nurses), to Registered Nurses to Nurse Practitioners and countless others. 

Registered Nurses

The largest field of healthcare workers is composed of Registered Nurses (RN's).  Registered Nurses work directly with patients and provide a link between patients and physicians.  RN's are typically responsible for monitoring patients’ vital signs, performing patient evaluations, and carrying out procedures such as administration of IV's and medications.  RN's employed in hospitals create plans for patients’ day-to-day nursing care.  Registered Nurses educate patients and their families on methods of managing their conditions including diet and exercise, physical therapy and other post-treatment home care needs.  Duties of the RN may vary from area to area as official responsibilities of the RN are determined by state and other laws.

Registered Nurses hold over 2.5 million jobs in the United States, of which approximately sixty percent are in hospitals.  With the median age of Registered Nurses on the rise, job opportunities in nearly all specialties are expected to be abundant as the need to replace retirees increases.  Many RN's find employment outside of hospitals, such as long-term care facilities, mental health institutions and travel nursing agencies. 

Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN's or LVN's) work under the direct supervision of other healthcare professionals such as RN's and physicians.  LPN's are responsible for taking patients’ vital signs, monitoring intake and output volumes, monitoring catheters, collecting samples for testing, and assisting with bathing, dressing, grooming and feeding of patients.  LPN's may also be responsible for administering medications and supervising nursing aides and assistants.

LPN's hold over 725,000 jobs in the United States.  Employment of LPN's in the home health aide industry and in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes is expected to increase significantly over the next decade as the baby-boomer generations reach older age and require substantial care. 

All states in the U.S. require LPN's to complete a state-approved practical nursing program and to pass the NCLEX-PN, a licensing exam. 

Registered Nurses are required to complete an approved educational program before taking and passing the NCLEX, the licensing exam required to obtain RN status.

Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners are nurses who practice as primary care providers either independently or under the supervision of a physician.  Privileges vary by state, but nurse practitioners are generally permitted to prescribe certain medications to their patients.  Nurse practitioners offer an exceptional solution to the problem of rising health care costs.  The skilled nurse practitioner can more than adequately meet the health care needs of many consumers at rates lower than those of most physicians.

As with all nursing occupations, educational requirements vary by state.  Requirements often include a BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) and may include additional training or an MSN (Master’s of Science in Nursing).

There are countless other specialties in the nursing profession.  Job duties, responsibilities and educational requirements vary by specialty, state and other laws, and the facility itself.  Technological advances and better understanding of health have made today’s nursing industry one of continuous growth and expansion, and an excellent place for anyone pursuing a career in the healthcare industry.