How many fields of nursing are there?

Answer 1

There are seven. Most of them being based on being an RN with added capabilities or specialties.

Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA) and Registered Nurses (RN)

A CNA is also known as a nurse's aide or home health aide. She provides assistance with activities related to daily living. A CNA can work in a hospital, nursing home, hospice, assisted living facility or private home. She reports any changes in the patient's condition to the head nurse.

RNs are the most flexible of all nurses as far as skills and training. They provide treatment, education, advice and emotional support to patients, family members and the community. RNs may choose fields of specialization. They provide direction and guidance to CNAs.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)

LPNs, sometimes called licensed vocational nurses or LVNs, also are under the supervision of RNs. LPNs have more training and education than CNAs, but less than RNs. They work in all areas of health care and provide basic care and monitoring. For example, an LPN takes vital signs, prepares and gives injections, changes bandages and monitors the overall patient condition. They may supervise CNAs.

Public Health Nurse (PHN) and Home Health Nurse

A PHN is an RN with specialized training in community health. She travels to patients' homes, schools or community centers and educates families and individuals on health options or concerns they may have. She may assist as a resource for policy makers regarding public or community health needs.

A home health nurse is an RN who provides care to patients in their homes. She must be able to work independently and often supervises LPNs and CNAs.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

CRNAs are RNs who specialize in anesthetics. They anesthetize patients before, during and after surgery or other procedures that require it. They typically have two to three years of additional training beyond a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

Nurse Midwife

A nurse midwife is an RN who has completed additional training in nurse midwifery. She practices obstetrical and gynecological care of pregnant women, including, but not limited to, prenatal care, delivery and infant care after birth. She often works toward being certified as a certified nurse midwife. This is a growing career field as more women are turning to midwives rather than doctors.

Nurse Practitioner

An nurse practitioner is an RN with additional training who functions almost as a doctor. He can work with or without the supervision of a physician. A nurse practitioner can diagnose and treat patients. Some nurse practitioners can prescribe medications, but certification and licensing requirements are determined by each state.

Travel Nurse

A travel nurse is an RN who travels to work on specific assignments. He may work in hospitals across the nation for periods of three months at a time, going to hospitals that are experiencing a shortage of RNs. Working conditions frequently change from one hospital to the next. Traveling nurses receive higher compensation and benefits because of the nature of their work. They also are in very high demand.