Types of Nurses
LVN/LPN
Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurses provide basic nursing care under the supervision of a doctor or registered nurse
To learn more: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24503-licensed-practical-nurse-lpn
RN
Registered Nurses provide patient-centered care in a variety of settings and have more training than LVNs.
To learn more: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/nurse
NP
Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses who have obtained a graduate-level degree. In some states, nurse practitioners can have their own practice.
To learn more: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24651-nurse-practitioner
CRNA
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists are registered nurses who specialize in giving anesthesia and other medications.
To learn more: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22561-nurse-anesthetist-crna
Nursing Degrees
ADN
Associate Degree in Nursing is a 2 year program at a city college that prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN (national exam for nurses). Many students get their BSN after completing their ADN.
BSN
Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a 4 year program at a University that prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN. Students with a BSN tend to have more career opportunities than students with an ADN.
ABSN
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is similar to a BSN, except it is for students who already hold a non nursing bachelor's degree. It generally takes 12-18 months, rather than 4 years.
MSN
Master of Science in Nursing is a graduate level degree that allows nurses to future their career: NP, nurse administrator, nurse educator, etc.
DEMSN
Direct Entry Masters of Science in Nursing is a 2-3 year program for students who hold a bachelor's degree in a non nursing major. It is similar to the MSN, but students don't need to have a BSN to apply.
DNP
Doctor of Nursing Practice is an advanced degree that prepares nurses for advanced roles and leadership. It is the highest level of nursing education and requires at least a BSN.