Health Careers:
Nurse

What is a nurse?

A nurse is a professional who works with patients and other health care professionals, such as a doctor, to provide care. A nurse's responsibilities depend on the level of education that they have received.

• Nursing aides and licensed nursing assistants (LNA) provide basic care and assist with procedures. They take vital signs (heart rate and blood pressure), change bandages, serve meals, and assist patients with everyday activities.

• Licensed practical nurses (LPN), in addition to the above, can give injections, insert catheters, and explain medical information to family members.

• Registered nurses (RN), in addition to all the above, are able to assess a patient's condition, give medicine, perform life-saving procedures, and educate people on health and disease. They usually focus on one area, such as maternity (babies), surgery, emergency, or cardiac (heart) care.

• Advanced practice nursing (APN), or a nurse with advanced education and skills in a specific area, work alone or with a doctor when necessary. Advanced practice nursing specialties include certified nurse-midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse practitioners.

Where does a nurse work?

The options are almost endless for a nurse! Examples include schools, nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, mental health centers, dentist's offices, government agencies, inside a patient's home, and many more!

What type of education is needed?

Nursing aide and licensed nursing assistant programs, typically one year or less, are offered in high schools, technical schools, community colleges, and in hospitals. A licensed practical nurse program is a 1 to 2 year program offered at technical schools and community colleges. A registered nurse is a bachelor's degree program (4 years). Advanced practice nursing requires an advanced certificate or a master's degree, which is one to two years in addition to a bachelor's degree. Most nursing degrees require certification and/or licensing; meaning that after training an exam must be taken as well.

What is the salary?

The salary increases with the level of education finished. A nurses average salary in Vermont are as follows:

• LNA     $22,285
• LPN     $36,992
• RN      $56,000
• APN     $74,420

How could a nurse advance?

There are many specialty areas that a nurse could enter, which means more training or education, resulting in a higher salary and more responsibilities.

Where can I go for more information?

www.choosenursingvermont.org