Different Types of Nursing Licenses

Different Types of Nursing Licenses
There are many different avenues through which to pursue a nursing career. Most likely you’re familiar with Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs). What you may not know is how these three common types of nurses differ.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Also known as home health aides, personal care assistants, or patient care technicians, CNAs have basic training in patient care and use their skills in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, assisted living centers, and hospitals. CNAs are supervised by registered nurses.
Responsibilities. The duties of a CNA can include but are not limited to:
* Bathing, dressing, and feeding patients
* Moving patients
* Catheter care
* Monitoring vital signs
* Helping with exercise
* Maintaining medical documentation
* Making beds and organizing rooms
Education. No college education is required to become a CNA, but potential certified nursing assistants must complete a certification course approved by their state board. Courses can range from a few weeks to a few months and can be found at community colleges, hospitals, and private companies. Most classes are taught by registered nurses and involve hands-on training.
Certificate Requirements. Requirements vary by state, so consult with your state’s nursing registry. In Utah, CNAs must pass a Nursing Assistant Training and Competency Evaluation Program and have their names on the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry. They must also complete a written exam and a skills test. Upon issuance, certificates are valid for two years. Continuing education is not required to renew a CNA certificate in Utah.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses, also referred to as licensed vocational nurses in some states (LVN), work under the supervision of doctors or registered nurses and have more advanced training than CNAs. LPNs care for a variety of patients, from newborns to the elderly.
Responsibilities. The duties of an LPN can include but are not limited to:
* Monitoring vital signs
* Applying dressings
* Treating and preventing bedsores
* Feeding patients
* Maintaining medical documentation
* Observing medical reactions
* Drawing blood
* Prepping patients for testing
* Setting up equipment in procedure rooms
* Administering medications/IVs (some states only)
Education. A high school diploma is required and then a student must complete a two-year practical nursing program. Such training is widely offered at community colleges.
Licensing Requirements. After further on-the-job experience, students can the take the national certification exam, the NCLEX-PN, and their state’s licensing exam. Upon issuance, state licenses are valid for two years. In Utah, an LPN is required to do one of the following during a two-year period to apply for re-licensing:
* Complete at least 400 practical work hours
* Complete at least 200 practical work hours and 15 hours of approved CEUs
* Complete 30 hours of approved CEUs
Registered Nurse (RN)
Highly trained and experienced, registered nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes, physical therapy clinics, and private care companies and are involved in all aspects of patient care.
Responsibilities. The duties of an RN can include but are not limited to:
* Administering injections and medications
* Supervising CNAs and LPNs
* Determining necessary equipment and setting for patient care
* Maintaining nursing notes and medical documentation
* Developing patient care plans
* Interacting directly with doctors regarding patients
* Educating staff as well as the community
* Completing administrative duties
Education. RN programs require a college admissions test (ACT or SAT), a 2.0 GPA, and a well rounded academic and extracurricular background. RNs can receive an associates degrees (2-year program), a diploma (a 3-year program), or a bachelors degree (a 4-year program). Community colleges and tech schools offer opportunities for part-time study.
Licensing Requirements. Prospective RNs must pass the NCLEX and their states licensing exam. Upon issuing, state licenses are valid for two years. In Utah, an RN is required to do one of the following during a two-year period to apply for re-licensing:
* Complete at least 400 practical work hours
* Complete at least 200 practical work hours and 15 hours of approved CEUs
* Complete 30 hours of approved CEUs