Comprehensive Nursing Education, Certification, and Role Development Overview

Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)

An organization established to advance and promote excellence in midwifery education.

ADN-to-BSN

Educational program that allows nurses with an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) to complete a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).

ADN-to-MSN

Educational program that allows nurses with an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) to enter and complete a master's degree in nursing (MSN).

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

Registered nurse with master's degree training who can serve as a primary care provider.

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)

Agency within the academy that offers specialty certification for nurse practitioners.

America Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)

Organization that provides certification for midwives and nurse-midwives.

American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Organization that offers specialty certification for nurses.

Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN)

A two-year degree for individuals seeking to become registered nurses.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A four-year degree obtained in order to become a registered nurse.

Certified Midwives (CM)

Practitioners who provide the same service as CNMs but who lack the training and certification of a registered nurse.

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM)

APRN who provides primary care to women, including gynecological exams and prenatal care.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)

Provides anesthetics to patients in every practice setting.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Nurse who provides direct patient care and expert consultations in one of many nursing specialties.

Consensus Model for APRN Regulation

Model to ensure consistency for the education, licensure, and certification of advanced practice registered nurses.

Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)

Accrediting agency for the institutions and programs of nurse anesthesia.

Interprofessional Education (IPE)

Model for teaching students in the health professions by functioning as a collaborative team.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians.

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)

Care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians.

LPN-to-BSN

Training programs that allow licensed practice nurses (LPN) to obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

An advanced nursing degree that allows a nurse to obtain APRN status.

National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)

Organization that offers a national certification exam for nurse anesthetists.

National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN)

Licensing exam required to become a licensed practical or vocational nurse.

National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)

Licensing exam required to become a registered nurse.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

Nonprofit organization that provides support for nursing regulatory bodies.

National Federation of Licenses Practical Nurses (NFLPN)

Agency that offers specialty certification in IV therapy and gerontology.

National League for Nursing (NLN)

Professional organization of nursing facility.

Nurse Anesthetists

Nurse who specializes in anesthesia and pain relief.

Nurse-Midwives

Nurses who specialize in women's health and obstetrics.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

Advanced practice registered nurses with a master's or a doctoral degree.

Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (NPCB)

Agency that certifies nurses as pediatric specialists.

Pediatric Oncology

Medical care for children with cancer.

Registered Nurses (RNs)

Nursing professionals who deliver therapy and treatment to patients.

RN-to-BSN

A degree program that enables registered nurses to obtain a BSN more quickly.

RN-to-MSN

Allows someone with a bachelor's degree to obtain RN status upon completing a Master of Science in nursing.

What are the three main reasons for the high demand for skilled nurses?

1. Expansion of the aging population with complex health problems. 2. Increased numbers of newly insured people seeking healthcare due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 3. Medicare reimbursement rates linked to patient outcomes.

What roles are nurses taking on in community settings?

Nurses are serving as care coordinators, case managers, chronic care specialists, and patient educators.

What is a significant barrier to the practice of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)?

State regulations that require APRNs to work under the supervision of a licensed physician.

What is the projected employment for Registered Nurses (RNs) by 2029?

3.3 million, more than any other healthcare practitioner.

What is the educational requirement for becoming a Registered Nurse (RN)?

Completion of a two- to three-year associate's degree.

What did the 2010 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report recommend regarding nursing education?

1. Increase the number of RNs with a bachelor's degree from 50% to 80% by 2020. 2. Double the number with doctorate degrees by 2020. 3. Require a nurse residency program after completing pre-licensure or an advanced practice degree.

What is the goal of interprofessional education (IPE) in nursing?

To train students from various health professions to work together as a team in delivering patient care.

What recommendations did the IOM report make to support nurses pursuing higher education?

Employers should cover tuition costs and provide benefits for part-time employees.

What educational pathways exist for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to transition to Registered Nurses (RNs)?

LPN-to-BSN programs and ADN-to-BSN or ADN-to-MSN programs.

What percentage of nurses held a bachelor's degree as of 2018?

45%.

What are the primary responsibilities of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)?

Administering medication, taking medical histories, recording symptoms and vital signs, and performing tasks delegated by RNs and physicians.

What is the difference in responsibilities between RNs and LPNs?

RNs have more complex and analytical responsibilities, including care coordination, disease prevention, and patient education.

What is the expected job growth area for nurses?

Skilled nursing, rehabilitation, residential facilities, home health care, and ambulatory care.

What roles do APRNs typically focus on?

Clinical specialties such as nurse anesthetists, midwives, or nurse practitioners.

What is the minimum educational requirement for nurses to specialize or assume supervisory roles in the future?

A minimum of a bachelor's degree, with a graduate degree required for specialization.

What is the expected educational requirement for nurses in the future?

Completion of at least a bachelor's degree.

What is the significance of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in relation to nursing?

It has led to greater numbers of newly insured people seeking healthcare.

What is the role of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in healthcare?

They are assuming the role of primary care providers in outpatient settings due to a shortage of primary care physicians.

What percentage of nurses held graduate degrees as of 2018?

19%.

What is the educational requirement for advanced practice roles in nursing?

A master's degree or higher, such as a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

What is the expected job availability for nurses in ambulatory settings?

Increased job availability due to surgical procedures and chemotherapy taking place in these settings.

What is a common entry-level career path for individuals interested in nursing?

Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) through one year of training.

What is the expected job growth for nurses in long-term care facilities?

Growth is expected due to the need for care for patients after strokes, head injuries, and those with Alzheimer's disease.

What is the role of RNs in health promotion?

They provide health promotion for individuals, families, and communities.

What is a significant trend in nursing education since the IOM report in 2010?

Enrollment in graduate nursing programs has increased significantly, with a 161% increase for DNP programs.

What is the largest healthcare occupation?

Registered Nurses (RNs) with 3.4 million jobs.

What percentage of RN jobs are in hospitals?

About 60%.

What are the three typical educational paths to becoming an RN?

A diploma from an approved nursing program, an associate's degree from a community college, or a bachelor's degree from a four-year college.

What is the role of clinical nurse specialists?

They provide direct patient care within a specific medical or surgical specialty and usually require a master's degree.

What is the job outlook for RNs with a bachelor's degree?

Overall job opportunities are expected to be excellent, especially for RNs with a bachelor's degree.

What types of support do RNs provide to patients and families?

RNs give advice, emotional support, and educate patients and families about medical conditions.

What are some responsibilities of RNs?

Recording medical histories, performing diagnostic tests, administering treatment and medications, and collaborating with health professionals.

How do RNs help manage patient care post-treatment?

By explaining home care, diet, exercise programs, and self-administration of medication.

What is one way RNs promote general health?

By educating the public on warning signs and symptoms of diseases.

What activities may be included in an RN's care plan?

Administering medication, checking dosages, maintaining IV lines, and consulting with physicians.

What is the role of RNs in patient follow-up and rehabilitation?

They help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation as part of the care plan.

What are some examples of RN specialties?

Cardiac care nurse, critical care nurse, hospice nurse, military nurse, neonatal intensive care nurse.

What does a hospice nurse do?

Cares for terminally ill patients to manage pain and other symptoms.

What is the focus of a psychiatric nurse?

Cares for patients with psychiatric disorders such as mental illness or substance use disorders.

What type of patients does a rehabilitation nurse care for?

Patients with chronic illnesses or long-term disabilities.

What is the role of a school nurse?

Cares for students from pre-K to college who become sick or injured while in school.

What do infection control nurses do?

Identify, track, and control infectious outbreaks in healthcare facilities.

What is the role of nurse educators?

They plan, develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs for student nurses and RNs.

What are some non-patient care roles for RNs?

Healthcare consultants, public policy advisors, pharmaceutical researchers, and medical writers.

What is nursing informatics?

The integration of nursing science with information management and analytical science to manage and communicate nursing data.

What is the primary role of ambulatory care nurses?

To provide preventive care and treat patients with various illnesses in physicians' offices or clinics.

What types of care do holistic nurses provide?

Care that includes acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy, and biofeedback to treat mental and spiritual health.

What is the main focus of diabetes management nurses?

To help patients manage diabetes through education on nutrition and blood sugar testing.

What do oncology nurses do?

They care for cancer patients and assist in administering radiation and chemotherapy.

Where do occupational health nurses typically work?

In large manufacturing plants, such as automobile factories, focusing on employee health and safety.

What is telehealth in nursing?

Providing care and advice through electronic communications, such as video conferencing or email.

What is the role of hospital nurses?

To provide care for patients with serious, complex, and acute illnesses requiring close monitoring.

What do emergency or trauma nurses specialize in?

Providing initial assessment and care for patients with life-threatening conditions.

What is the function of medical-surgical nurses?

To provide health promotion and basic medical care to patients before and after surgery.

What do perioperative nurses assist with?

They assist surgeons by selecting instruments, controlling bleeding, and suturing incisions.

What is the focus of wound, ostomy, and continence nurses?

To treat patients with wounds, provide postoperative care, and manage incontinence.

What type of care do home healthcare nurses provide?

At-home nursing care, often as follow-up after hospital discharge.

What do infusion nurses do?

Administer medications, fluids, and blood through patients' veins.

What is the role of psychiatric nurses in home care?

To monitor medication compliance and provide counseling for mental illness.

What services do long-term care nurses provide?

Healthcare services for patients with chronic physical or mental disorders in various care facilities.

What is the work environment like for most RNs?

Typically well-lit and comfortable healthcare facilities, but may also include home visits and community settings.

What are common work hours for nurses in hospitals?

They may work nights, weekends, and holidays, often in shifts.

What is a common shift pattern for hospital nurses?

Three 12-hour shifts per week.

What risks do RNs face in their work environment?

Exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous compounds, and the risk of back injury from lifting patients.

How do nurses collaborate in healthcare settings?

They work as part of a team with other health professionals like physicians and therapists.

What is the role of public health nurses?

To provide education and support for new mothers and promote community health.