The profession of nursing was originated back in 19th century. The modern nursing was founded by Florence Nightingale. A nurse is a person who serves patients and ensures their good quality of life.
Nursing degree types (1)
A candidate has various nursing degree options. He can select the option according to his interest and skills. Almost 2 million candidates are working as nurses globally. Below are some types of nursing degree.
- Associate degree in nursing ADN
A way to start career as nurse is to get enrolled in undergraduate nursing programs. Besides certificate program and diploma in nursing, ADN is another type of nursing program at undergraduate level. Both programs equip a candidate with training and knowledge required in day-to-day RNs duties. The difference between two is that candidate gets college degree after completing ADN, but diploma graduates lacks it. However he may get college credit if the selected program is university or college affiliated. This is suitable for those candidates who want to pursue their career in BSN or ADN. Another main difference is the time of completion and Institute. Certificates or diplomas are conducted by vocational colleges, medical centres, or hospitals, and take 12 months to complete. Whereas ADN is conducted by child and maternal nursing care, behavioural health, and community college and it takes 24 months to complete.
Career options in ADN
Candidates of ADN can serve their duties in nursing care facilities, physician’s office, and emergency room. Graduates work in these institutions under the supervision of general physician to give standard patient care.
ADN program specialities
RNs with ADN or diploma attain few certifications and career specialties. The very common are licenced vocational nurse (LVN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).
Salary
The average annual salary of ADN nurse is $73794
- Bachelors degree in nursing BSN
A candidate without any nursing experience and bachelor’s degree can opt this program. This program takes up to 60 months to complete. It prepares the candidate to provide his services in variety of nursing roles. It combines various nursing programs and clinical practices with the education of liberal arts. Nursing courses include paediatric care, psychiatric care, and community health.
Career options in BSN
A candidate can work in various outpatient and inpatient settings such as oncology floors, administrative departments, operative room, and intensive care unit.
BSN program speciality
There are various BSN courses depending upon the selected program, specialty, and institute. The curriculum includes different subjects like geriatric nursing, nutrition and diet, and nursing research. A candidate must select the speciality according to his interest in nursing care area and types of patients. The most popular specialities include pediatric care and emergency care.
Salary
The average annual salary of BSN nurse is $89760
- Master’s degree in nursing MSN
If someone wants to work as a leader, or seeks opportunities to bring revolution in health care policy or get expertise in specific care area, then MSN is best fit for him. This degree helps a student to pursue his career in advance nursing department.
Career options in MSN
Besides direct care to patients, an MSN graduate can apply in administration and education systems. An MSN graduate earns more than an undergraduate nursing candidate.
MSN program speciality
An MSN graduate can practice as advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). He provides modern nursing care such as diagnosing disease, prescribing medicine, ordering diagnostic tests and analyzing them, and conducting minor procedures. There are four types of APRNs.
- Nurse practitioner NP
Duties; patient examination, illness diagnosis, medication prescribing
Her average annual salary is $111971
- Clinical nurse specialist CNS
Duties; conducting research, clinical practice, management
Her average annual salary is $106407
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist CRNA
Duties; anesthesia administration, medication administration to patients
Her average annual salary is $169265
- Certified nurse midwife CNM
Duties; babies delivery, nursing care providence to mother throughout childbirth process.
Her average annual salary is $120380.
Due to deep knowledge and training, APRNs can work in following roles as well.
- Adult-Gerontology primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP)
Duties; provide modern nursing care to the elderly, adults and adolescents.
- Family nurse practitioner FNP
Duties; provide nursing care to people of every age. Day-to-day services include treatment of minor injuries, and diagnosis of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension
- Neonatal nurse practitioner NNP
Duties; work in neonatal intensive care units and provide nursing care to new-born babies with medical conditions.
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner PMHNP
Duties; assess needs of the patient related to his mental health and creates a care plan.
- Women’s health nurse practitioner
Duties; provides comprehensive care to females of every age.
- Doctorate in Nursing degree DNP
The highest grade in nursing is a doctoral degree. DNP is one of its type. It focuses on the clinical and practical aspects of modern nursing. There is a great difference between nursing Ph.D and DNP. Nursing Ph.D is required if candidate wants to become a member of nursing faculty in any institution. In both programs, a student has to carry out rigorous researching but nursing Ph.D does not train the student for practical application required in clinical practice.
Career options in DNP
A DNP graduate can work in nursing faculty, nurse management, and nurse administration.
DNP program speciality
A candidate can choose from various DNP specialties, including psychiatric mental health, women’s health, and pediatrics.
Salary
The average annual salary of DNP nurse is $125440.
Online nursing degree programs (2)
This degree provides variable online programs.
Online BSN bridge program
The length of these programs varies. But mostly it takes 2 years to complete.
Online accelerated BSN program
This program allows student to complete bachelor degree in just two years.
Online direct entry MSN-program
RN and ADN graduates can opt this program without even getting bachelors degree.
Online MPH program
Through this program a candidate can excel as advocates, educators, and health researchers.
References
- https://teach.com/online-ed/healthcare-degrees/online-msn-programs/types-of-nursing-degrees/
- https://nursejournal.org/degrees/online-nursing-programs-overview/
