Nursing Careers
The nurse who specializes in providing direct care to patients.
Bedside Nurse
This is an honors organization that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership or made important contributions to professional nursing; candidates are elected from the senior nursing class
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
Refers to a nurse who is registered with the state board of nursing
RN (Registered Nurse)
This nursing specialty focuses on the care of children and adolescents.
Pediatric Nursing
Graduates of these programs are eligible to transfer academic credits to a baccalaureate completion program for RNs. Applicants must meet the entrance requirements of the community college and those of the nursing program.
Associate Degree Programs
This type of nurse often works in schools, addressing student health needs.
School Nurse
The organization that serves as the international organization of professional nursing
InternationalCouncil of Nurses (ICN)
Refers to a nurse who provides basic care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
NA (Nursing Assistant) or CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) or PCA (Patient Care Associate)
This nursing specialty focuses on the care of pregnant women and newborns.
Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing
Graduates of these programs are prepared to function as direct caregivers under the supervision of other licensed health professionals, primarily in structured settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and chronic care facilities. Community college graduates may transfer some or all of their academic credits to any Kentucky associate degree nursing program.
Practical Nursing Program
These nurses are trained to handle emergencies and critical care situations.
Critical Care Nurse
An independent legal corporation that represents the needs of nursing students
National Student Nurse's Association (NSNA)
Refers to a nurse who has completed a 1-year course and can provide direct patient care under the supervision of an RN
LPN (Licensed Practical) or LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse)
This nursing specialty ensures the safety and well-being of patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
OR Nurse
Graduates of these programs are prepared to assume leadership and responsibility positions in various practice settings and to enter graduate school for specialized study. Applicants must meet the entrance requirements of the college or university and those of the nursing program.
Baccalaureate Degree Programs
The nurse responsible for coordinating and managing patient care plans.
This organization took some of the first steps in developing standards for the profession of nursing
Amercian Nurses Association (ANA)
Refers to a terminal degree (highest level of education available) which prepares the nurse as a research scientist in academic, government, or private entities
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
This nursing specialty focuses on caring for sick newborn infants, particularly those born prematurely.
Neonatal or NICU Nurse
Graduates of these programs build on the knowledge, skills, and competencies of baccalaureate nursing education and provide for the attainment of advanced knowledge for specialty nursing. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings and a variety of advanced practice nursing roles.
Master's Program
This nursing role involves advanced practice and specialized skills, often in areas like anesthesia or midwifery.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
This organization was the first national nursing organization to provide accreditation for nursing programs at all levels
National League for Nursing (NLN)
Refers to a credential for a nurse who has advanced training to administer anesthesia
CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)
This nurse specialty focuses on patients undergoing renal replacement therapy
Dialysis Nurse
Graduates of these programs receive a terminal degree that prepares registered nurses to pursue advanced certification with additional training on evidence-based practice, leadership, and practice-based research.
Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)