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Different hierarchy in Field of Nursing in the USA

In general, According to the nursing education the Nurses in USA fall into three categories:

1. Non-degree,
2. Degree,
3. Advanced degree.

Non-degree nurses are our certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs)

Education of Non-degree nurses:- nursing education programs with no collection of degree

Degree nurses are Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Education of Degree nurse:- Undergraduate degree of Science in Nursing.

Advanced degree:-  are Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Education of Advanced degree nurse:- Graduate degree in the field of Nursing.

These are the various level of nursing according to education, workplace and responsibilities:-

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNAs)

Position description:Also referred to as “nursing assistants and “nursing aides,”

Work areas:- 

Home care and long-term care settings.

Responsibilities:-

• CNAs often serve as the primary point of contact between the patient’s family members and the healthcare organization.
• They assist with the patient’s daily activities of living.
• CNAs provide support and care for their patients.

Requirements: Becoming a CNA typically requires a high school diploma or GED, as well as completion of a state-approved CNA program.These programs usually take 3 to 8 weeks to complete and require a specified number of training hours, classroom hours, and lab or clinical practice. Once program requirements are completed, aspiring CNAs must pass a state-approved exam to earn their CNA title and become state-certified.

CNA median annual salary (2019): $14.25/hour, $29,640/year
Projected growth (2019–2029): Much faster than average (8% or higher), with 119,500 expected job openings.²

2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)/licensed vocational nurses (LVNs)

Position description:

Responsibilities:-

• Primary communicator between the health care team and patient.
• They also may be responsible for communicating with the patient’s family.
• LPNs monitor patients’ health and do some physical care tasks, such as taking blood pressure, inserting catheters, starting IVs, and changing bandages. 

Requirements: Successful completion of a Practical Nurse Programs. These programs can be completed within one year and are designed for people who are working while attending the program. To receive your state license, which grants you the ability to practice, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN).

LPN median annual salary (2019): $22.83/hour, $47,480/year
Projected employment growth (2019–2029): Much faster than average (9% or higher).

3. Registered Nurse (RN)

Position description:

Responsibility:- RNs have a broad range of responsibilities, including administering medication, contributing to a patient’s plan of care, and collaborating with medical doctors. In some workplaces, RNs oversee CNAs and LPNs. Once you reach the RN level of nursing, more specialized positions open up, such as cardiac care nurse, case management nurse, and flight nurse.

Requirements:- To become an RN, you must earn either an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After successfully graduating from either type of program, you must then take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

RN median annual salary (2019): $35.24/hour, $73,300/year
Projected growth (2019–2029): Faster than average (7% or higher).

In most states, an ASN and BSN degree, along with passing the NCLEX-RN exam, will qualify you to work as an RN. However, some states are looking to push legislation that requires RNs to have a BSN. The State of New York did so in 2018, requiring a bachelor’s degree within the next 10 years to practice as an RN.

Following is the diffrence between ASN and BSN:-

Associate of Science in Nursing

Becoming an RN through an associate degree nursing program is ideal for those who do not want to attend a four-year program. In the past, these programs were typically offered through community colleges. Now, however, some four-year institutions are offering ASN programs, also known as Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs. Hybrid programs, which combine online with in-person learning are also becoming increasingly popular.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

In today’s job market, the BSN degree leads, in general, to better salaries and more open doors.A BSN program typically takes four years to complete and may require full-time immersion.

4. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Position description:

Responsibilities:-

• To become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you must be an RN ready to take on more of a leadership role in patient care.
• While RNs often focus on implementing a plan of care, APRNs focus on directing a plan of care.

Requirements:-  Becoming an APRN often requires further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Types of APRNs include nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.After you earn your degree, you must pass a certification exam from an accredited national organization, such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board.

APRN median annual salary (2019): $55.67/hour, $115,800/year
Projected employment growth (2019–2029): Much faster than average (45% increase)