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Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses (RNs) care for the sick and injured, and are typically concerned with the "whole person", providing for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of their patients. They observe, assess and record symptoms, reactions and progress; assist physicians during treatments and examinations; administer medications; assist in convalescence and rehabilitation; instruct patients and their families in proper care; and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health. While state laws govern the tasks RNs may perform, it is usually the type of health care environment that generally dictates the scope of job duties.
Hospital nurses constitute the largest group of nurses employed in health care. Most are staff nurses, who provide bedside nursing care and assist in implementing the medical regimen prescribed by the physician. They may also supervise licensed practical nurses and aides. Many hospital nurses are assigned to one particular area such as surgery, maternity, pediatrics, emergency room, intensive care or oncology, while others may rotate among departments.
Office nurses assist physicians in private practices, clinics, surgical centers, emergency medical centers and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). They prepare patients for and assist with examinations, administer injections and medications, dress wounds and incisions, assist with minor surgery and maintain records. Some also perform routine laboratory and office work.
Head nurses or nurse supervisors direct nursing activities. They plan work schedules and assign duties to nurses and aides, provide or arrange for training, visit patients and observe nurses to ensure that care is properly carried out. They may also be responsible for ensuring that records are maintained and appropriate supplies and equipment are ordered.
Training and Qualifications:
To obtain a nursing license, individuals must have earned a degree from an accredited nursing school, passed a national licensing examination and obtained CPR certification. Nurses may be licensed in more than one state, either by examination or by endorsement of a license issued by another state. Licenses must be periodically renewed and continuing education is a requirement for renewal in some states. Educational paths to nursing include: associate's degree in nursing (ADN), diploma, or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Generally, licensed graduates of any of these programs qualify for entry-level positions as staff nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide professional nursing care for sick, injured, convalescing and handicapped patients under the supervision of physicians or registered nurses. Providing basic bedside care, LPNs take vital signs, treat bedsores, prepare and administer injections and enemas, apply dressings, give alcohol rubs and massages, apply ice packs and hot water bottles and insert catheters. They assist patients with bathing, dressing and personal hygiene, feed them and record food and liquid intake and output. An LPN should keep patients comfortable and care for their emotional needs at all times. In states where the law allows, they may administer prescribed medicines or start intravenous fluids. On occasion, LPNs may take on supervisory roles, overseeing nursing assistants and aides.
LPNs may also be required to make appointments, keep records and perform other clerical duties in doctors' offices, clinics and health maintenance organizations.
Training And Qualifications:
All states require LPNs to complete a licensing examination after completing a state-approved practical nursing program. A high school diploma is usually required for entry, but some programs accept individuals who have completed less. Most practical nursing programs last about one year and include both classroom study and clinical practice. Classroom study covers basic nursing concepts, principles and related subjects including: anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, administration of drugs, nutrition and first aid. Supervised clinical experience is usually in a hospital, but sometimes also includes other settings. Apply Now
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
A nurse practitioner provides primary patient care, acting as an assistant to physicians in the clinic according to established standards and procedures. In their capacity, nurse practitioners obtain complete social, physical and medical history data on patients; perform a comprehensive physical exam and record findings. They then interpret and integrate data to asses appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as needed.
Nurse practitioners collaborate with physicians in managing the acute and long-term medical needs of patients. Their scope of work also entails ordering appropriate laboratory and diagnostic procedures, suturing minor lacerations, and administering medications and injections under a physician's direction.
Maintaining patient confidentiality, nurse practitioners keep patient records, charts and other pertinent information, posting tests and examination results. They care for patients with all conditions ranging from mild to acute, while providing education and counseling on the prevention of illness, referring patients to specialists and conducting appropriate follow-up treatment.
Training And Qualifications:
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who possess a state license as a nurse practitioner. All states require nurse practitioners to hold a degree from an accredited nursing school and pass a national licensing examination. Nurses may be licensed in more than one state, either by examination or endorsement of a license issued by another state. Licenses must be periodically renewed and continuing education required for renewal in some states.
Nurse Manager - Coordinates care on the nursing unit and oversees all clinical and administrative staff within the unit. Requires RN license and 3 - 5 years experience. BSN degree is highly desirable.
Director, Nursing Service - Develops policies and procedures and provides oversight of all nursing care within a hospital or health care facility. Requires a BSN and 5 - 10 years nursing experience. Requires previous supervisory experience. Master degree is highly desirable.
Nurse Aide - Provides basic patient care assistance on the nursing/ patient unit. Must have good understanding of patient needs, including basic body mechanics. Some formal training in patient care is highly desirable.
Physical Therapist - Provides direct clinical care to patients with physical therapy needs. Develops plan of care in conjunction with physician or based upon physician information. Requires a physical therapy degree.
Director, Physical Therapy - Oversees all physical therapy within the hospital or other healthcare facility. Develops polices, procedures, and ensures excellent clinical car. Requires a physical therapy degree and 3 - 5 years physical therapy experience. Previous supervisory experience is highly desirable.
Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
- Provides direct clinical care to patients with respiratory problems and needs. Requires a registry in respiratory care.
Director, Respiratory Therapy - Develops policies and procedures within the respiratory area and oversees all clinical respiratory care. Requires a registry in respiratory care and 3 - 5 years respiratory care. Additional education is preferred.
Pharmacy Technician - Provides assistance to Pharmacists in filling prescriptions. Works under direction supervision of Pharmacist. Requires some formal training.
Pharmacist - Fills prescriptions. Must have very strong formulary knowledge. Requires pharmacy degree.
Director, Pharmacy Services - Oversees all pharmacy activities within a hospital or healthcare setting. Must have excellent clinical and supervisory skills. Requires pharmacy degree and 3 - 5 years pharmacy experience.
Dietitian (Clinical) - Oversees dietary needs and food requirements of patients. Plans meals using clinical knowledge of calorie and nutrition needs of the patient. Requires dietary degree.
Radiology Technologist - Performs general radiology procedures. Interacts with patient and educates him/her on procedure to help reduce patient fear and anxiety. Develops film in darkroom. Requires a general radiology education.
Ultrasound Technologist - Performs ultrasound procedures. Must have excellent knowledge of human physiology. Must have general radiology education. Some states may require ultrasound certification.
Nuclear Medical Technologist - Administers nuclear medicine procedures as determined by state and federal law. Must be certified in nuclear medicine.
Director, Radiology - Develops policies and procedures within the radiology area and oversees all personnel performing radiology procedures, including ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and general radio logic views. Requires radiology education and 3 - 5 years radiology care.
Laboratory Technician - Performs general lab duties within the scope of specific license or certification. May be MT, HEW, or other lab certification based on the requirements of a particular state.
Histotechnologist - Sections specimens and performs histo procedures. Requires formal histo training.
Cytotechnologist - Sections lab specimens and performs cyto procedures. Works closely with Pathologists. Requires formal cyto training in this highly skilled area.
Section Supervisor, Lab - Oversees a section of the lab, which may be chemistry, biology, histology, cytology, or any other specialty areas. Requires a BS degree and a minimum of 2 years lab experience. Previous supervisory experience is highly desirable.
Chief Medical Lab Manager - Oversees all aspects of the laboratory and manages section supervisors. Develops policies and procedures as they relate to the lab. Interacts with Pathologists to ensure their needs are met. Works with other staff to ensure a smooth operation of the lab. Requires a BS degree, with a Masters preferred. Must have 3 - 5 years lab experience.
General Duty Worker - Performs environment service duties, including cleaning or patient rooms and other portions of the hospital or medical facility. Requires no prior experience, but must be attentive to the cleaning needs of the organization.
Food Service Worker - Cooks and serves food to both patients and healthcare staff. Requires no prior experience, but must be pleasant and customer service oriented.
Central Supply Worker - Cleans, sterilize, packages and stores a wide variety of surgical and other supplies within the hospital.
Social Worker - Works with patient and/or family to provide information on outside agencies that can provide emotional, social, and financial assistance. Requires a BSW or MSW.
Supervisor, Social Work - Oversees the social work department and sets policies and procedures within the hospital or healthcare organization dealing with all of patient social work needs. Requires an MSW and 3 - 5 social work experience. Previous supervisory experience is highly desirable.
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