Currently, there are 23 states, along with the District of Columbia, that grant nurse practitioners (NPs) full practice authority. With full practice authority, NPs can perform many of the same tasks as physicians. Some of these tasks include prescribing medications, ordering physical therapy, diagnosing and treating medical conditions, and interpreting diagnostic tests. Some people inaccurately […]
DNP vs. DNAP: What’s the Difference?
Exploring your nursing career options can sometimes be confusing. Case in point: comparing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to a Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). What’s the difference and which is better suited to your goals? A DNP is a terminal nursing degree, making it one of the highest nursing degrees you can […]
Clinical Nurse Specialist vs. Nurse Practitioner: What’s the Difference?
Nurses with advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure have options for advancing their careers. Among the available options, you can choose to work as a clinical nurse specialist or a nurse practitioner. Clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners both have extensive knowledge in healthcare and nursing best practices. Many similarities exist between their nursing roles. […]
How to Get Into Nursing School: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pursuing a career that allows you to help others in a medical setting can naturally lead you to consider nursing. Whether you want to work as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) or become a registered nurse (RN), nursing school is the first step in your journey. Accredited nursing programs give you the skills and experience […]
How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner
Registered nurses looking for added responsibilities and a variety of nursing career prospects may find becoming a family nurse practitioner (FNP) meets the criteria. These advanced practice registered nurses focus on preventative care and helping their patients maintain their health and well-being. FNPs enjoy greater autonomy and can choose a nursing specialty that aligns with […]
How to Become a Legal Nurse Consultant
Legal Nurse Consultants (LNCs) are licensed registered nurses (RNs) who provide critical analysis of clinical issues in a legal setting. They may testify as an expert witness in a court case about a victim’s injuries or attend independent medical exams as a neutral third party. LNCs have an in-depth knowledge of the healthcare system, medicine, […]
How to Become a Registered Nurse
Many nurses go into the healthcare profession because they want to make a difference. Once you decide that nursing is the right fit for you, there are several options for beginning – and advancing – your nursing career. Deciding to become an RN allows you to have a direct impact on patient outcomes. In just […]
How to Become an HIV/AIDS Nurse in 3 Steps
HIV/AIDS nurses serve patients whose very lives depend on accurate symptom monitoring and the right balance of prescription medications. HIV/AIDs has infected 38 million people globally. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 1.2 million Americans live with HIV. One of the innovative ways health care organizations have improved the lives […]
How to Become a Flight Nurse in 3 Steps
Nurses deal a lot with trauma. One of the specialties within nursing that tackles trauma head-on is the flight nurse. Flight nurses work with patients who need emergency evacuation via helicopter or airplane to a medical facility. Their patient’s trauma is often so severe they can’t go by ground transport. If you’re interested in a […]
MSN vs. DNP: What’s the Difference?
When you’re ready to advance your nursing career, you might have a difficult time choosing between a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Which you choose depends on your specific career goals. With an MSN degree, you can further specialize your skills and education to prepare for more […]
How to Become a Pediatric Nurse in 3 Steps
Some of the smallest patients require the most care and empathy from medical professionals. Nurses who have a passion for helping children may want to consider a career as a pediatric nurse. Pediatric nurses spend their days treating children from infancy right through their teen years. They can further specialize in serving a subset of […]
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in 3 Steps
One of the greatest perks of nursing is the ability to advance within the field. The best way to climb the ladder as a nurse involves obtaining an advanced degree. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 56% of registered nurses (RNs) have a BSN or higher degree. If you’re looking for greater […]
How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 3 Steps
The nursing profession is filled with passionate individuals who understand the importance of compassion and empathy for their patients. Psychiatric nurse practitioners work with a vulnerable population that requires extra patience and kind-heartedness. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are nurse practitioners (NPs) who specialize in mental health conditions. They help patients suffering from mental disorders and illnesses […]
Guide to Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) provide critical care to patients in their hour of need. They administer anesthesia before and during medical procedures while ensuring the comfort and safety of their patients. Given the delicate nature of their work, CRNAs must have extensive education and experience. Most CRNAs work independently and have the highest earning […]
What is Private Duty Nursing?
Private duty nursing can be a lucrative option if you want to provide healthcare to patients outside the traditional healthcare setting. In this nursing role, you provide long-term nursing care to patients. The patients you serve are those who need the extra assistance but prefer to live at home instead of in skilled nursing care […]
