If you have decided that you want to go for a nursing degree, then you undoubtedly have a lot of questions. Is nursing school hard? Can you work while you take part in nursing school? What is the difference between an RN and an LPN? What would a nursing compact state be? What are some things you need to keep in mind regarding having a successful nursing career? These are daunting questions. However, a good nursing educator will be able to answer these and many other questions. Yes, it's understandable to be nervous, but your decision to go to nursing school means that you are taking a positive step in your life. Are you ready to start working on your nursing career? If you’re considering it, then the following information could be very helpful. 

Understanding the Different Levels of a Nursing Degree

There are several levels involved in a nursing career. Thus, there are at least four different degree plans that you could go for. First of all, there is the nursing assistant (CNA) career path. Nursing assistants will generally also be referred to as nursing aides, and they are usually not considered full-fledged nurses. However, they will often be the first point of contact that a medical patient will have. In most circumstances, the nurse's aide will possibly help a patient bathe, dress, engage in daily activities, and use the restroom. A nurse's aide will often measure vital signs, listen to the general health concerns of the patient, and in most cases, they will lift them in and out of wheelchairs. Generally, all you need to do is take part in a three-to-eight week training program and then pass an exam in order to become certified by their state.

The next level of a nursing degree would be a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a licensed vocational nurse. At this level, you will be responsible for a variety of patient duties, including monitoring patient health and doing basic care activities. Most LPNs will be responsible for inserting catheters, taking your blood pressure, administering IV drips (not in all states), and changing dressings and bandages. They will often have a role in communicating with family members and educating on how to best care for the patient.

A registered nurse (RN) will normally be responsible for keeping a full record of patient history, monitoring various symptoms, administering diagnostic tests, and joining forces with doctors. They will either establish or contribute a care plan for each patient, and they will often oversee LPNs. RNs can often specialize in a specific field if they wish.

Finally, an advanced practice registered nurse has the most career options. They can not only work independently, but they can also perform all the duties of a normal RN. Additionally, they can often make a diagnosis, order and evaluate test results, or even make patient referrals.

Getting a Nursing Degree Online

Perhaps one of the most burning questions that many might have would be if it is possible to get a nursing degree online. The answer to that question is that it depends largely on the type of nursing certification you are pursuing. However, usually, almost all or part of a nursing degree can be obtained online. In most circumstances, you will need to be working under the supervision of an RN in a brick-and-mortar setting along with completing your online studies. However, if you are an LPN who is looking to get their BSN, an online program would definitely be a good option. Additionally, if you are already an RN and are looking to get a Master's in Nursing, you can certainly go down this path if you wish. For those who are seeking RN status, the general online path would be to seek an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and this will fulfill the requirements for an RN license.