nursing hierarchy
nursing hierarchy
The notion that nurses typically adhere to an organizational structure based on their credentials and work experience in conventional healthcare settings is known as nursing hierarchy. Starting with the nursing assistants, the hierarchy moves up to the chief nursing officer.
The nursing hierarchy can be used by prospective nurses to find a position that meets their individual career objectives, and it can also be used by current nurses to identify potential new career paths.
What Are the Different Levels of Nursing?
- Education, experience, and certification are just a few of the defining characteristics of the nursing hierarchy’s various levels. Higher levels of nursing necessitate more education and work experience than lower-level positions typically do.
- There are entry-level, senior-level, and advanced-level roles in a typical nursing hierarchy. While many nursing levels share many similarities, there are also significant distinctions. Registered nurses and nurse practitioners, for instance, both provide and coordinate patient care; however, nurse practitioners have pursued additional education and licensure in order to pursue leadership positions. A master’s degree in nursing is required to become a nurse practitioner, while a bachelor’s or associate’s degree is required to become a registered nurse.
Entry-Level Positions in the Nursing Hierarchy
- A certain level of education is still required for entry-level nursing positions. Even though these positions require less time commitment than higher-level nursing positions, you will still need to acquire some foundational skills. State-issued licenses or certifications are also required for the majority of entry-level nursing careers. These kinds of requirements are very different based on where you live and what kind of career you want to have.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- The first position in the nursing hierarchy is that of a certified nursing assistant. The job requires patients to be assisted with everyday activities like eating, dressing, and bathing. They might also take a patient’s temperature or blood pressure and keep an eye on it. CNAs frequently work in hospitals, retirement communities, or nursing homes. CNAs typically work under the direction of registered nurses (RNs or LPNs).
- Compared to the requirements for other levels of nursing degrees, the training and education requirements for becoming a CNA are not as rigorous. CNAs must pass a competency exam and complete a state-approved training program. Prerequisites for CNA training programs typically include a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- While other levels of nursing involve more direct patient health monitoring, the primary focus of a CNA’s duties is on providing patients with basic care.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are another name for licensed practical nurses. An LPN’s duties include providing patients with basic medical care. LPNs assist patients with eating, bathing, and dressing, as well as with changing bandages and inserting catheters. Reporting changes in the patient’s condition to supervisors, such as RNs or physicians, is another crucial aspect of the position. LPNs, in contrast to RNs, do not create care plans for patients.
- You must complete a training program that has been approved and pass a licensing exam to become an LPN. The majority of programs for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are offered by community colleges and technical schools and typically last at least one year to complete. Being a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can be a good way to get started on the path to becoming a registered nurse (RN). There are LPN-to-RN programs available to assist LPNs in advancing to the next level of nursing education.
Registered Nurse (RN)
- You will offer patients a variety of medical services as a registered nurse. This includes taking a patient’s medical history, evaluating their condition, carrying out diagnostic tests, and giving medications and treatments to the patient. The setting in which an RN works, such as a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, or residential care facility, determines many of the responsibilities they perform. Along with other specialists in the field of healthcare, registered nurses frequently report to nursing managers. Compared to CNAs and LPNs, RNs have more responsibilities and direct control over patient care.
- Earning an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), or a diploma from a recognized nursing program are all ways to become a registered nurse. Although an associate’s degree in nursing is required to become an RN, some employers may prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
Nurse Manager
- The advanced nursing position of nurse manager involves both managerial and clinical duties. A nurse manager is in charge of making sure a nursing unit runs smoothly, supervising staff members, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals when necessary. A nurse manager, in contrast to a nurse practitioner, is unable to administer medication and typically does not provide direct patient care. A nurse manager might report to the chief nursing officer or director of nursing, depending on the structure of the facility.
- Typically, licensed and practicing nurses serve as nurse managers. Obtaining a master’s degree and maintaining a nursing license are two examples of additional educational requirements. If you want to be a nurse manager, you must also have strong leadership and administrative skills.
Advanced-Level Positions in the Nursing Hierarchy
- In the nursing field, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) work in a variety of advanced careers. More education and work experience are required for these positions than for entry-level nursing positions. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and clinical experience are required to become an APRN. APRN certification exams come in a variety of formats, depending on the field you want to specialize in.
- You can take a number of different paths to a career as an APRN. Nurse practitioners or nurse educators are two examples of these.
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