Nurses are healthcare professionals with a very wide range of duties, responsibilities, and specialties. Nurses are responsible for the treatment, care and safety of patients. They are also responsible for maintenance of health and education for the patient. Nurses provide direct care and monitor symptoms, response, and progress in patient care.
Three main types of nurses are LPNs, RNs and APNs.
An LPN (licensed practical nurse) usually has less than 2 years of training. They perform simple and some complex medical procedures. They work under other health care professionals to provide patient care.
An RN (registered nurse) has a university degree in nursing and often is responsible for supervising the tasks of LPNs. RNs provide direct care, patient education and make decisions about proper patient care.
An APN (advanced practice nurse) has a masters or doctoral degree. They provide direct care, diagnose disease, prescribe medication, work in research and educate patients and other healthcare professionals. There are many specialties for APNs.
Nurses play a very important part of direct patient care and maintaining health in the community. The art of nursing makes dramatic differences in patient outcomes and disease treatment.