Certified nurse assistants are also known as nurses' aides, patient care technicians, home health aides or home health assistants (HHAs). CNAs provide patients with assistance in their daily living tasks, working under the supervision of a registered nurse. They can be found in hospitals, as well as in different types of nursing homes, adult living facilities, and even in private homes. Their close interaction with patients, often for hours each day, puts them in a position to observe their patients' health status and inform their reporting nurse of any changes. (click for more info.)
Registered nurses comprise the largest occupation in health care, and the most flexible type of nursing career. They perform a variety of duties including providing treatments, educating patients and their families about various medical conditions, and providing advice and emotional support to patients and family members. RNs may choose to specialize in areas of health care relating to a particular condition, an area of the body, a certain type of patient (for example, children), or an area of the hospital (such as the ER). RNs may also provide direction for licensed practical nurses and nurse assistants. (Click for more info.)
Public health nurses are RNs with specialized training in community health. In addition to providing the standard RN functions within their hospital or care facility, PHNs frequently travel to patients' homes, schools or community centers, where they work with families and individuals to find viable, accessible solutions to community health concerns. They work with local resources, articulating community health concerns to local health planners and policy makers, and assist members of the community to voice their own problems and concerns. (Click for more info.)
Licensed practical nurses work in all areas of health care, and have more training than CNAs, but less than RNs. LPNs provide basic bedside care such as taking vital signs, preparing and giving injections, applying dressings and ice packs, and monitoring the patient's overall condition. LPNs also observe and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments, sometimes performing routine laboratory tests. They also help patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, and some LPNs help deliver and care for infants. Licensed practical nurses may work in hospitals, nursing facilities or physicians' clinics, and experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides. (Click for more info.)
A nurse practitioner is an RN who has completed additional courses and specialized training in order to function as a doctor. There are a few different types of nurse practitioner, and any of them can work with or without the supervision of a physician. They take on additional duties in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and in many states they may write prescriptions. At the advanced level, nurse practitioners provide basic primary health care, diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries as a doctor would. Nurse practitioners can also prescribe medications, but certification and licensing requirements vary by state. (Click for more info.)
Nurse Midwife
A nurse midwife is an RN who has completed additional specialized education in nurse midwifery. Nurse midwives practice the obstetrical and gynecological care of pregnant women, including prenatal care, delivery, and infant care after birth. Many work with the same women from puberty until menopause. Nurse midwives often pursue certification through the American College of Nurse Midwives to become certified nurse midwives. (Click for more info.)
A certified registered nurse anesthetist is an RN with specialized training in anesthetics. CRNAs work closely with other health care professionals such as surgeons, dentists, podiatrists, and anesthesiologists. A CRNA takes care of a patient's anesthesia needs before, during and after surgery and other procedures. They have two to three years of formal education beyond a bachelor of science degree in nursing, and have received certification from the Council of Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. (Click for more info.)
Home health nurses are RNs who provide periodic services to patients at home. They may travel to a patient's home from their hospital of employment, or they may work for a home health care facility or outpatient center. Their job is to care for patients who cannot leave home, and instruct patients' families on healthy living. Home health nurses care for a broad range of patients, including those recovering from illnesses, accidents and childbirth. They must be able to work independently, and may supervise home health aides and other nurses. (Click for more info.)
Occupational health nurses provide for and deliver health and safety programs and services to workers, worker populations and community groups. Depending on the employer, an occupational health nurse may provide emergency care, prepare accident reports, and arrange for further care if necessary. They also offer health counseling, assist with health examinations and inoculations, and assess work environments to identify potential health or safety problems. (Click for more info.)
Licensed vocational nurses have the same job functions as licensed practical nurses (see LPN above). LVN is the designation in southern states, while LPN is prevalent throughout the rest of the country. LVNs provide basic bedside care, some clinical services, and family health planning to their patients. They work under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse, and may supervise certified nurse assistants or other LVNs. (Click for more info.)
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