Different Kinds of Nursing Degrees
Nurses play a vital role in the health care system. Nurses are often the first to tend to the sick or injured, and work in a variety of medical facilities ranging from hospital emergency rooms to nursing homes and beyond. Some nurses spend their careers teaching students how to become nurses. The type of job a nurse performs is often directly related to the degree they hold. There are different types of nursing degrees that come with different levels of responsibility and opportunity.
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LVN
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The shortest route to a nursing career is to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). This is also called a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), in some places. This position requires a one-year program and is a certification program rather than a full-fledged degree. Still, there is a high demand for these types of nurses in nursing homes, physician's offices and hospitals. This type of education allows the practicing nurse to take vital signs; gather health information; prepare and perform injections; assist patients with hygiene, feeding and other tasks; help care for babies; and supervise nurse's aides. LVNs generally work under the supervision of a registered nurse.
ASN
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The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a two-year degree program that prepares students for entry-level positions as nurses in hospitals or other medical facilities. Students learn skills such as patient assessment, emergency care, intravenous drug administration and most of the basic duties of a nurse. In addition, obtaining an ASN degree allows the graduate to apply for licensure to become a Registered Nurse.
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BSN
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The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree program that provides all of the most desirable skills employers look for in a nurse. BSN holders often work in supervisory positions as Registered Nurses and can perform work at all levels of nursing positions. In addition to the traditional four-year route to a BSN, students who are ASN Registered Nurses can complete an ASN-to-BSN program on an accelerated, part-time basis. Students who wish to switch careers and have a bachelor's degree in another area can earn a BSN as a second degree in as little as 12 months through an accelerated second degree program.
MSN
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Nurses who pursue advanced degrees such as the Master's Degree in Nursing, or MSN, tend to be promoted to management positions or to teaching positions. MSN candidates are generally required to have some experience working in the field. Working nurses with an MSN are usually promoted to the title of advanced practice nurse, which often carries a substantial increase in salary. There is also a doctorate nursing degree often sought by those choosing to teach nursing at the university level.
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References
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