Student Confusion of Different Levels of Nursing

Many students who are studying to become a nurse may find the different levels of nursing to be confusing. As mentioned earlier, the definition of RN, LPN, and CNA themselves signify many differences. Additionally, there are different educational requirements for each. One can become a Certified Nursing Assistant or Aides after completing just a few weeks of lessons. Federal nurse aide training regularization are mandated in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA 1987). These state approved training programs include a minimum of 75 hours with 16 hours of supervised clinical training. The programs are tailored in basic skills in patient care in hospitals, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities. Once the program is completed, a student is certified as a nurse assistant/aid and can take the State Competency Evaluation for placement on the State Nursing Assistant Registry. All CNAs are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education yearly.

A Licensed Practical Nurse is a person who has completed a state-approved educational program and has passed the NCLEX-PN. The programs are usually 12-18 months long offered mainly through vocational and technical schools. Most programs encompass both classroom work (i.e. anatomy and physiology, nursing and pharmacology) and clinical training in nursing laboratory and a healthcare setting such as a hospital and nursing home. A LPN is able to practice in numerous facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Through professional associations, LPNs may select the option to advance their level of knowledge about a specific area (i.e. gerontology and IV therapy) by becoming certified. They can also complete an LPN to RN program to become a regi...

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...curriculum include courses in general educations, humanities, liberal arts, sciences, and nursing (Garneau & Zerwekh, 2012). The AACN indicate the necessary components of baccalaureate included professional values, core competencies and knowledge, role development, and a liberal education (DeLaune & Ladner, 2010). The focus is placed on creating critical decision-making skills, developing research skills, and practicing independent nursing judgment. In order for a nursing student to receive a BSN degree, he or he must complete both the nursing degree program requirements and also the degree requirement of the college or university. Once all requirements have been met, a graduate of a BSN program is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. A BSN graduate may choose to further advance his or her education through attending a graduate program (Garneau & Zerwekh, 2012).