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Registered nurses (RNs) record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.
RNs teach patients and their families how to manage their illness or injury. Some RNs work to promote general health by educating the public on warning signs and symptoms of disease. RNs also might run general health screening or immunization clinics, blood drives and public seminars on various conditions. RNs can specialize in one or more areas of patient care, like trauma, cardiology infusion.
Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Often, they provide basic bedside care in addition to measuring and recording patients’ vital signs. They assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, moving in bed, standing, and walking. They might also feed patients who need help eating.
Most LVNs are generalists and work in all areas of health care, although some do work in a specialized setting, such as a nursing home, a doctor’s office or in home health care. In some States, LVNs are permitted to administer prescribed medicines, start intravenous fluids, and provide care to ventilator-dependent patients.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) assist individuals with activities of daily living and provide bedside care—including basic nursing procedures—all under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.
How long will it take?
To become a registered nurse, you must have a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree or a diploma from an approved nursing program. After that, you must be licensed. At AC, this option is a 75-semester hour program.
To become a licensed vocational nurse, you must pass a licensing examination after completing an approved practical nursing program. At Amarillo College, that training will take 44 semester hours.
To become a certified nursing assistant, you must pass a state exam after completing a continuing education course.
How much can you earn?
Median annual earnings of registered nurses were $57,280 in 2006.
Median annual earnings of licensed vocational nurses were $36,550 in 2006.
Median hourly earnings of certified nurse assistants were $11.00 in 2006.
Where can you work?
Anywhere! Nurses are needed in every state and municipality. Some hospitals award signing bonuses or help with tuition to gain new nurses.
AC can help you get there!
Certified Nurse Assistant
