A certified nurse has met the requirements
for clinical or practical practice in a particular field; pursued
education beyond basic nursing training; and passed a written
examination on a national scale recognized by standards of nursing
practice.
Public health nursing consists of applying,
promoting and defending the health of populations using the essentials
from nursing, social, and public health sciences. Public health
nursing is population-focused, community-oriented nursing practice.
The purpose of public health nursing is to prevent disease and
disability for all people through circumstances in which people
can be healthy. Public health nurses connect with nations, states,
communities, organizations, and groups, as well as individuals,
in implementing health evaluation, policy development, and assurance
activities. Public health nurses review the desires and the potency
of the population, and to also plan interventions to assemble
resources for action, and promote equal opportunity for health.
Strong effectual organizational and political skills must compliment
their nursing and public health capability.
Registered nurses (RNs) work to promote health,
prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. They are
advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities.
When providing direct patient care, they observe, assess, and
record symptoms, reactions, and progress; assist physicians during
treatments and examinations; administer medications; and assist
in convalescence and rehabilitation. RNs also develop and manage
nursing care plans; instruct patients and their families in proper
care; and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or
maintain their health.
Most LPNs provide basic bedside care. They
take vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and
respiration. They also treat bedsores, prepare and give injections
and enemas, apply dressings, give alcohol rubs and massages, apply
ice packs and hot water bottles, and monitor catheters. LPNs observe
patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments.
They collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests,
feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. They
help patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, keep
them comfortable, and care for their emotional needs. In States
where the law allows, they may administer prescribed medicines
or start intravenous fluids. Some LPNs help deliver, care for,
and feed infants. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants
and aides.
Nursing aides, also known as nursing assistants,
geriatric aides, unlicensed assistive personnel, or hospital attendants,
perform routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and medical
staff. They answer patients' call bells, deliver messages, serve
meals, make beds, and help patients eat, dress, and bathe. Aides
also may provide skin care to patients; take temperatures, pulse,
respiration, and blood pressure; and help patients get in and
out of bed and walk. They also may escort patients to operating
and examining rooms, keep patients' rooms neat, set up equipment,
store and move supplies, or assist with some procedures. Aides
observe patients' physical, mental, and emotional conditions and
report any change to the nursing or medical staff.
At the advanced level, nurse practitioners
provide basic primary healthcare. They diagnose and treat common
acute illnesses and injuries. Nurse practitioners also can prescribe
medications(but certification and licensing requirements vary
by State. Other advanced practice nurses include clinical nurse
specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified
nurse-midwives . Advanced practice nurses must meet higher educational
and clinical practice requirements beyond the basic nursing education
and licensing required of all RNs.
An advanced practice nurse who has completed particular education in nurse
midwifery and also has received certification through the American
College of Nurse Midwives. Nurse midwives provide primary care
in the area of women's health including gynecologic, prenatal,
delivery, and postpartum care.
A registered practice nurse anesthetist is
one who has two to three years of formal education beyond a Bachelor
of Science degree in nursing and who has received certification
from the Council of Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. Nurse
Anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients in a diverse line
of situations including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical
settings, and dentists' offices.
Home health nurses provide periodic services
to patients at home. After assessing patients' home environments,
they care for and instruct patients and their families. Home health
nurses care for a broad range of patients, such as those recovering
from illnesses and accidents, cancer, and childbirth. They must
be able to work independently, and may supervise home health aides.
Occupational health or industrial nurses provide
nursing care at worksites to employees, customers, and others
with minor injuries and illnesses. They 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.
Head nurses or nurse supervisors direct nursing
activities. They plan work schedules and assign duties to nurses
and aides, provide or arrange for training, and visit patients
to observe nurses and to ensure the proper delivery of care. They
also may see that records are maintained and equipment and supplies
are ordered.
Source: Occupational
Outlook Handbook
