If you’ve been considering a career in nursing, you have plenty of options to choose from. The nursing field is expected to grow 9% by 2030, so it’s a great time to jump in!
Not all nurses work in hospitals or private doctor’s offices. They all have different specialties that allow them to follow their passions and focus on the types of patients that they want to help.
We’re here to discuss a few (but not all) different types of nurses so you can make an informed decision about your future in healthcare. Read on to learn more.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Being a certified nursing assistant (otherwise known as a CNA) is often the first step in someone’s nursing career. You don’t have to be a CNA before you apply to official nursing school, but it is a great way to gain experience and determine whether or not nursing is really for you.
CNAs take care of things like taking vitals, bathing patients, repositioning patients, and helping with other non-medical needs.
Registered Nurse
“Registered nurse” (RN) is somewhat of a broad term. There are registered nurses for home care, emergency rooms, standard doctor’s offices, and more. You can even find them in skilled nursing facilities taking care of seniors.
A registered nurse is a licensed nurse who’s able to handle certain medical treatments. They can prescribe and administer medication, help with testing, and offer helpful information to patients and their loved ones.
Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery nurses work hard to make sure that the birthing process is safe and successful for new parents and infants alike. They can work at hospitals or private birthing facilities and some may also attend home births.
Not only do they help with the birth itself, but they can also help with aftercare and creating a plan with new parents to support the health of their babies.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are the first nurses on this list that need a master’s degree. They usually work in hospitals or doctor’s offices, though they may also show up in inpatient facilities or nursing homes.
They’re able to diagnose health problems and administer medication without the support of a doctor. They can also perform examinations.
Nurse Educator
Nurse educators may still work with patients, but for the most part, they’re there to teach new nurses. They may work in clinics, hospitals, or universities.
They facilitate new nurse training programs and design educational materials for patient care.
There Are So Many Types of Nurses!
With so many types of nurses, there’s a nursing path for anyone who’s interested in getting into the medical field. Whether you want to focus on babies and new parents, take on an assisting role, help with home care, or any other potential path, you have options.
If you’re ready to start your path as a nurse, consider talking to a university or career counselor about how to get started. Good luck!
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