Medical - Nursing

Nursing

Nursing is an exciting and growing career that cares for individuals, families, and communities. Nurses have an important role in healthcare, by providing health services in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. The profession of nursing offers a stable job, with many different career paths, and pays well.

VIEW NURSING CAREERS

Types of Nursing Careers:

There are many exciting careers in nursing that include the following: 

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPNs are responsible for basic medical and nursing care that promotes the comfort of patients. This includes helping patients bathe or dress, discussing health care plans, and reporting the status of patients to registered nurses and doctors. Becoming an LPN usually takes one year to complete.


Nurse (RN)

RNs are responsible for assessing patients, developing care plans, administering medications, and coordinating healthcare services. Becoming an RN can take 2 – 4 years depending on the nursing program you apply to. 


Specialized Nursing Roles

Different specialized nursing paths include:

  •  Pediatric Nurse: Providing care to infants, children, and adolescents.
  •  Geriatric Nurse: Caring for elderly patients and addressing age-related health issues.
  • Obstetric and Gynecological Nurse:
  • Providing care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health.
  • Psychiatric Nurse: Working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges and disorders.
  • Nurse Educators: Teaching nursing students or current nurses the knowledge and skills to perform their jobs.
  • Nurse Administrators: Lead, manage, and oversee medical clinics,hospitals, or departments within medical facilities.


Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

These nurses have additional education and training, such as a Master’s or Doctoral degree. This allows them to take on more specialized roles, such as:

  • Nurse Practitioner (NP): Diagnosing and treating patients, prescribing medications, and promoting preventive care.
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Providing care to pregnant women and assisting with childbirth.
  •  Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Administering anesthesia during surgeries and procedures.

REGISTERED NURSE (RN) 

Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. They work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home health care services, and nursing care facilities. Others work in outpatient clinics and schools.

Length of Training

2-4 years

Continuing Education Required

Yes

Median Annual Wage (KC Metro)

$65,160

Annual Job Openings in Kansas

2,875

Projected 10-Year Job Growth

6%

Scholarships available through AcruxKC

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LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses provide basic nursing care in nursing homes and extended care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices and private homes.

DEGREE/CERTIFICATION NEEDED:

  • Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Practical Nursing Certificate
  • Practical Nurse License 

Length of Training

1-2 years

Continuing Education Required

Yes

Median Annual Wage (KC Metro)

$46,660

Annual Job Openings in Kansas

1,505

Projected 10-Year Job Growth

5%

Nurse practitioners

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced nurses who can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive care. They work with healthcare teams to deliver primary and specialized healthcare services, focusing on prevention, management of chronic conditions, and promoting overall health.

DEGREE/CERTIFICATION NEEDED:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Clinical experience as Registered Nurse
  • Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice with a nurse practitioner specialization
  • Pass national certification exam in nurse practitioner specialty

Length of Training

7-8 years

Continuing Education Required

Yes

Median Annual Wage (KC Metro)

$119,849.60

Annual Job Openings in Kansas

231

Projected 10-Year Job Growth

40%

Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists are specialized Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who focus on administering anesthesia to patients during surgery. They work closely with the surgical team, ensuring the safe and effective use of anesthesia medications and monitoring patients' vital signs to maintain their comfort and well-being.

DEGREE/CERTIFICATION NEEDED:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Clinical experience as Registered Nurse
  • Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice with an anesthesia specialization
  • Pass national certification exam for nurse anesthetists

Length of Training

7-8 years

Continuing Education Required

Yes

Median Annual Wage (KC Metro)

 $181,147.20

Annual Job Openings in Kansas

68

Projected 10-Year Job Growth

40%

Education and Licensing:

There are several different pathways to becoming a nurse. Each pathway has the ability to build off of previous education. Many healthcare employers provide financial assistance for nurses to further their education or gain additional certification.

Education and licensing pathways may include:


  1. Obtain a License Practical Nurse license, Bridge to an associate degree in nursing (AND), and then obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 
  2. Earn your associate degree in nursing (ADN) and complete a bridge program to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  3. Go directly into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  4. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), nurses may go on to obtain a specialized certificate, or master’s, or doctoral degree.

Nursing Specializations and Certifications:

Nursing allows you to specialize in an area of your interest. There are many different types of nurse specialties that range from critical care nursing, oncology nursing, emergency room nursing, operating room nursing, hospice, and many more. Each specialty provides the nurse an opportunity to become certified in their expertise through studying and tests. The exciting part is you get to choose the option(s) that meet your interests and passions.


Start Your Journey:

Starting a career in nursing is an exciting journey that offers many different opportunities. Through nursing, you can earn a great living and contribute to the betterment of healthcare and humanity.


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