If you’re considering becoming a nurse, or if you’ve been working in the nursing field for years, you should know that you have many options. There are positions for various certified nurses, and each profession has different responsibilities. But, what makes each position unique? And, how can you determine which career is the best fit for you?
Types of Nursing Positions
1. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A licensed practical nurse or LPN only requires a certificate or diploma in an approved educational program. This can come from technical schools, community colleges, or other two-year university programs. Since LPNs don’t need extensive training or internships before being able to obtain nursing positions, you’ll often work under the supervision and alongside more advanced professionals — such as RNs, doctors, and other medical professionals. Once you graduate and have your LPN nursing degree, you’ll be required to take the National Council Licensing Examination or NCLEX-PN. You’ll need to pass this exam before becoming an LPN. As an LPN, your responsibilities typically include:
- Changing bandages
- Monitoring blood pressure and vital signs
- Collecting blood and urine samples
- Administering medications and treatments
- Relaying patient concerns to RNs and doctors
2. Registered Nurses (RNs)
A registered nurse or RN requires more schooling than an LPN and can make more decisions regarding your patient. You’ll need to obtain your Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) before testing for your RN certification. Once you have a nursing degree, you’ll be required to take the National Council Licensing Examination or NCLEX-RN. You’ll need to pass this exam before becoming an RN. RNs are typically responsible for:
- Changing bandages
- Monitoring blood pressure and vital signs
- Collecting blood and urine samples
- Assessing patients
- Administering medications and treatments
- Assisting in diagnostic testing
- Providing emotional support and health education to patients and their families
3. Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric nurses are most commonly RNs, but can also be LPNs. Whether this position is in a hospital or a home environment, pediatric nurses specialize in child care from infancy to young adults. Education and certification requirements include an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor of Science Degree or a registered nurse license. Some employers, like Care Options for Kids, will provide additional training if needed to both RNs and LPNs before they care for a pediatric patient. Working as a pediatric nurse often includes caring for children with a variety of complex medical needs, such as:
- Feeding tubes and suctioning
- Apnea monitoring and pulse oximetry
- Tracheostomy care and management
- Ventilator management
- Catheters, drains, and IV therapy
- Medication administration
4. Geriatric Nursing
Similar to pediatric nursing, geriatric nurses are often RNs, but some start as LPNs. As a geriatric nurse, you’ll be primarily responsible for caring for elderly patients. An Associate’s Degree or Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing or an LPN or RN license is required to specialize in geriatric nursing. You’ll mostly be responsible for:
- Stepping in and being a patient’s advocate both in and out of the hospital
- Accompanying the patient to appointments or ER visits
- Educating and updating the patient and family members about medications and chronic diseases
- Communicating with physicians
- Transitioning the patient from hospital to rehab and rehab to home
5. Nurse Manager
Not all nurses work directly with patients. Nurse managers are nurses who take a supervisory clinical path. In addition to obtaining your LPN or RN license, you’ll be required to obtain your Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) or Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) certification. Nurse managers take a more administrative role in nursing and are typically responsible for:
- Recruiting nurses
- Creating schedules
- Managing nurses
- Making decisions regarding budget and management
Contact Care Options for Kids for Pediatric Nursing Jobs
Are you looking to become a pediatric nurse? Care Options for Kids can help. We are currently looking for compassionate and nurturing Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Pediatric Registered Nurses (RNs) across various locations. Care Options for Kids specializes in one-on-one hourly pediatric care in the home. We offer PTO, medical, dental and vision benefits, flexible schedules, and more.
If you or a loved one are considering a career in Pediatric Nursing, contact Care Options for Kids. Apply online or call today at (888) 592-5855.
