Earning a Nursing Degree
Nurses are vital to the healthcare profession as they are employed in a wide variety of specialties. They may work independently or as part of a team to care for patients from birth to death. Part of a nurses’ job is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the health care administered to individuals, families, or communities. Nurses are not only focused on helping their patients recover optimal health, but they are also dedicated to helping their patients attain and maintain maximum health as well.
Levels of Nursing Degrees
An individual’s level of education and training will be related to the degree of responsibility they are given in their job as well as their income. The higher the individual’s level of education and training, the wider the range of activities they will be involved in throughout the day which will be reflected in their salary. The various level of nursing degrees include the following:
Nursing Diploma
Even though the certified nursing assistant is considered the entry level of the nursing field, individuals do not have to obtain this certification to pursue a higher nursing degree. Individuals may opt to pursue a nursing diploma. A nursing diploma takes between 2 and 3 years to obtain, and it will prepare individuals to work in a hospital or other type of inpatient setting.
Associate Degree in Nursing
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in nursing may choose to obtain a degree in nursing. Associate nursing degrees usually require 2 years of study, and this degree program focuses primarily on technical skills. With an associate degree, individuals may become a registered nurse (RN). RN’s may begin working in the nursing profession after two years of study by taking community college nursing classes. This nursing degree can help those wishing to obtain a Bachelor degree in nursing.
Bachelor Degree in Nursing
The Bachelor Degree in Nursing is the commonly preferred community college nursing program. This degree program takes 4 years to complete, and it prepares individuals to work in both inpatient and community settings such as hospitals, physician’s offices, home health services, and nursing care. The BSN degree provides individuals with the education they need to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctoral Degree in Nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing
With a Master of Science in Nursing, individuals are considered Advanced Practice Nurses. Individuals can choose from one of four practice areas: nurse practitioner (NP), certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and certified nurse midwife (CNM).
Doctoral Degree in Nursing
There are several doctoral degrees in nursing from which individuals may choose. These programs of study include: Doctor of Nursing programs (ND), Doctor of Nursing Practice programs (DNP), Doctor of Nursing Science programs (DNSc), and Doctor of Nursing Philosophy programs (PhD). Individuals can choose the program that will best meet their intended career goals.
Nurses may work in a number of diverse settings ensuring quality, professional healthhcare services for all of their patients regardless of the patient’s injury, illness, or disease. To become a nurse, individuals will need to earn one of several levels of nursing degrees based on their career goals.