Navigating your Nursing Education

ADVANCED REGISTERED NURSE PRACTITIONER

Advanced Practice Nurses independently evaluate and manage patients under established protocol with a licensed physician or dentist. Four advanced practice roles are recognized in Florida’s Nurse Practice Act.

• dvanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) orders medical tests, diagnoses disease and illness, prescribes certain medications, and manages the care of patients with acute and chronic medical and psychiatric conditions. ARNPs practice in specific areas of expertise, such as pediatrics, family practice, and geriatrics.

• ertified Nurse Midwife (CNM) provides comprehensive well-women care and manages the patient during labor and delivery, including ordering and performing some anesthetic procedures.

• ertified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) selects and administers regional and general anesthetic agents, supports life function, and oversees patient recovery.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) assesses and manages health status of individuals and families, typically functioning as educators, care coordinators for complexly ill patients, or expert consultants for nursing staff.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Master’s (MSN or MN) or Doctorate (DNP or PhD) degree in nursing (2 to 6 years beyond a bachelor’s degree)

A Master’s degree prepares nurses for increased complexity of patient care and the education program includes a minimum of 500 clinical practice hours in the specialty area.

A nursing doctorate adds educational preparation at advanced levels in the specialty area, consistent with other members of the healthcare team. 

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION

Advanced practice nurses must hold an active registered nurse license, pass an appropriate national specialty certification exam, and document ongoing continuing education

SALARY

Varies depending on specialty.

REGISTERED NURSE

Registered Nurse (RN) assesses, monitors, and evaluates patient health status using knowledge of scientific principles and clinical judgment. RNs are educated to anticipate risks and prepared to intervene to minimize or prevent medical complications in acutely ill patients. RNs educate patients, families, and communities about health promotion and disease prevention, and have a major role in care coordination. The RN administers medications and treatments prescribed by an advanced practice nurse, physician, or physician assistant.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Bachelor’s (4-year) or Associate’s (2-year) degree

The bachelor’s-prepared nurse has additional knowledge of theoretical and scientific evidence that drives nursing practice, advanced skills in health assessment and leadership, and an understanding of public and community health service.

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION

RN must pass National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX—RN) and complete 26 hours of continuing education every two years.

SALARY

Median United States Salary: 52,360/year  (Source: Payscale.com)

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) assists individuals with personal care, such as bathing, feeding, mobility, and are prepared to administer CPR if needed. The CNA can monitor health indicators, such as blood pressure under the supervision of RN, LPN, or physician. 

EDUCATION

Board Approved Nursing AssistantTraining Program (120 hours)

SALARY

Median United States Salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant: 22,100/year  (Source: Payscale.com)

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) promotes wellness, maintenance of good health, and illness prevention. The LPN provides direct patient care and observation, and administers medications and treatments under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed physician.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Career and Technical Education Certificate (1350 hours) post-high school

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION

LPN must pass National Council Licensure Exam-Practical Nurse (NCLEX—PN) and complete 26 hours of continuing education every two years.

SALARY

Median United States Salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse: $36,180/year (Source: Payscale.com)