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NURSES: Confused about the acronyms/abbreviations?

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Cap'n Preshoot
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« on: September 04, 2009, 07:08:04 pm »


I don't profess to be an expert on ths subject of nursing, though I have done a little research to try  figure out for myself what the various letters mean (CNA, LPN, RN, etc). When talking with a nurse (or receiving medical treatment from one) I think it would be beneficial to know their level of training, wouldn't you?

First of all, there's no such thing as a nursing degree, at least not in the literal sense. Nurses credentials (RN, LPN, etc) represent the level of licensure, which in turn can provide some idea of their level of training & education, so here goes: (I hope someone will correct me if I screw this up)
  • CNA - Certified Nurse Assistant       (typically a 4-week course with a basic test and certificate upon completion)

  • LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse         (typically a 9~12 month course at a school of nursing) This is the near equivalent of a Paramedic (but is more medical training than a Chiropractor has).  In many hospitals the "floor nurse" is often an LPN (or perhaps a senior LPN). LPN's are also those "nurses" who wake you from a dead sleep in the middle of the night to give you something to help you sleep  Smiley   An "LPN" is generally considered an "entry-level" nurse

  • RN  -  Registered Nurse                      (AKA a "Real Nurse" here's where the water gets a little muddy though, because you're not just an "RN", now you also have educational-level credentials (a degree) following your RN title, for example:

  • RN, ASN or RN, ADN                              This is a Registered Nurse with an Associates Degree (2 yrs typically), either ADN (associates degree, nursing) or ASN (associates Science of Nursing) both are functional equal, slightly different course of study. Normally you won't find an RN, ASN or RN, ADN because it's really an entry-level "RN" who is most likely on their way up and won't have ADN or ASN after their RN credential for very long.

  • RN, BSN                                                 This is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree (4-yrs) in nursing ("Hot Lips" Margaret Houlihan on the old TV show MASH supposedly was an RN, BSN) Most surgical nurses are RN, BSN's

  • RN, MSN                                                This is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Science degree (typically 4 yr bachelor's degree + 2 additional years post-graduate training/schooling)

  • NP  -  Nurse Practitioner                    No, this "nurse" is not a doctor, but you'll generally find them staffing those street corner "doc-n-a-box" places, i.e., those inside a drugstore. The "NP" is most typically equal to an RN, MSN.  I'm told this designation for NP will be valid through the year 2014, after which the bar will be raised

  • DNP  - Nurse Practitioner, Doctoral  -  This is your top level of nursing.  The DNP will effectively be equal to RN, with an educational doctorate degree (Ph.D) in nursing. Beginning in 2015 a DNP will be on duty at those "doc-n-a-box" places

    Even though a DNP will have their Ph.D degree, and technically have the title of "Doctor" they still will not be full-fledged MDs 
Interesting, huh?
« Last Edit: September 04, 2009, 07:39:27 pm by Cap'n Preshoot » Report Spam   Logged

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« Reply #1 on: September 04, 2009, 09:01:22 pm »


I don't profess to be an expert on ths subject of nursing, though I have done a little research to try  figure out for myself what the various letters mean (CNA, LPN, RN, etc). When talking with a nurse (or receiving medical treatment from one) I think it would be beneficial to know their level of training, wouldn't you?

First of all, there's no such thing as a nursing degree, at least not in the literal sense. Nurses credentials (RN, LPN, etc) represent the level of licensure, which in turn can provide some idea of their level of training & education, so here goes: (I hope someone will correct me if I screw this up)
    No such thing as a nursing degree?   The definition of an academic degree is:  "an award conferred by a college or university signifying that the recipient has satisfactorily completed a course of study, in this case nursing.  The degree, whether it be a AD, BA, BS, or PhD is earned just as any degree would be.   After graduation ALL nursing students must pass State Boards in order to be licensed.   Most states required some sort of continuing education to keep that license.




    • CNA - Certified Nurse Assistant       (typically a 4-week course with a basic test and certificate upon completion)

      Most states now require that nursing assistants be certified.  The programs are usually offered in a hospital or nursing home setting by qualified instructors.  In addition to CNA's they also have a course for Medicine Aides.  I am not sure how much instruction is required now, but I know it can never be enough.  The Medicine Aides are allowed to pass medicines in nursing homes under the direction of either an LPN or an RN.  As a NHA I hesitated to use Medicine Aides.   NHA are the initials denoting a licensed Nursing Home Administrator.   Nursing Home Administrators are required to be licensed, hospital administrators aren't.



    • LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse         (typically a 9~12 month course at a school of nursing) This is the near equivalent of a Paramedic (but is more medical training than a Chiropractor has).  In many hospitals the "floor nurse" is often an LPN (or perhaps a senior LPN). LPN's are also those "nurses" who wake you from a dead sleep in the middle of the night to give you something to help you sleep  Smiley   An "LPN" is generally considered an "entry-level" nurse

      Because of the lack of nurses, sometimes LPN's are given duties that are usually performed by RN's, however, the RN on duty must take responsibility for her.   LPN's are sometimes given extra courses that certifiy them to give IV's or work in ICU units.  Depends on how strapped the hospital is for nurses.   LPN's mostly work in nursing homes, but hospitals do use them,  and I might add most are more than just a "floor nurse"  You will find them anywhere from ER to surgery.


    • RN  -  Registered Nurse                      (AKA a "Real Nurse" here's where the water gets a little muddy though, because you're not just an "RN", now you also have educational-level credentials (a degree) following your RN title, for example:

    • RN, ASN or RN, ADN                              This is a Registered Nurse with an Associates Degree (2 yrs typically), either ADN (associates degree, nursing) or ASN (associates Science of Nursing) both are functional equal, slightly different course of study. Normally you won't find an RN, ASN or RN, ADN because it's really an entry-level "RN" who is most likely on their way up and won't have ADN or ASN after their RN credential for very long.

    • RN, BSN                                                 This is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree (4-yrs) in nursing ("Hot Lips" Margaret Houlihan on the old TV show MASH supposedly was an RN, BSN) Most surgical nurses are RN, BSN's

      Used to be RN's graduated from a 3 year nursing program in a hospital.  Both St. Elizabeth and Lake View had these programs.    Most hospitals have discontinued their nursing programs and the AD has fast become the popular way to go.    RN's with an AD are usually found in Doctors offices, on the floor in a hospital or as a DON in a nursing home.  RN's with more than a AD are, as you say,  on their way up so that they can teach,  or take on Director of Nursing jobs in big hospitals and institutions.  Just so you know it doesn't take a BSN to be a surgical nurse in most hospitals.  


    • RN, MSN                                                This is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Science degree (typically 4 yr bachelor's degree + 2 additional years post-graduate training/schooling)

      RN's with MSN are usually running Nursing programs or DON's in really big hospitals.  You will also find them in charge of Military Nurse corps.


    • NP  -  Nurse Practitioner                    No, this "nurse" is not a doctor, but you'll generally find them staffing those street corner "doc-n-a-box" places, i.e., those inside a drugstore. The "NP" is most typically equal to an RN, MSN.  I'm told this designation for NP will be valid through the year 2014, after which the bar will be raised


      Nurse Practitioner's are relatively new and most are working in doctors offices to take the pressure off of doctors.   They can see patients with simple symptoms.  There are a lot of them in clinics in small towns that are located miles from hospitals and they do an amazing service.  In some clinics you can request to see the nurse practitioner.  



    • DNP  - Nurse Practitioner, Doctoral  -  This is your top level of nursing.  The DNP will effectively be equal to RN, with an educational doctorate degree (Ph.D) in nursing. Beginning in 2015 a DNP will be on duty at those "doc-n-a-box" places

      Even though a DNP will have their Ph.D degree, and technically have the title of "Doctor" they still will not be full-fledged MDs 
    With the shortage of doctors in rural areas the DMP will be a welcome  addition and even though they won't have MD credentials they will provide good care.


    Interesting, huh?

    Behind every good doctor there is a good nurse who helps him stay that way.   Wink
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    « Reply #2 on: September 05, 2009, 09:35:12 am »

    Thank God for nurses.  The few times that I or a family member have been hospitalized, the nurses have been outstanding.  They should be canonized for the way I see them treat their patients.  The doc's on the other hand, well that's another story......
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    « Reply #3 on: September 05, 2009, 11:57:02 am »

    Guardian Angel:

    Thanks for the enlightenment & clarifications!!!

    Often the NP in your local 'doc-n-a-box' can be a great place to take your children for their immunizations. Far easier to get in to see (no appointment necessary) and frequently less expensive, especially if you have no insurance. Of particular concern of M.D.s is that the NP may occasionally miss (or misdiagnose) something, which is why they should be used only for simple symptoms. Most M.D.s agree that the NP under ordinary circumstances should not be administering (or prescribing) antibiotics.

    The GP I go to has two LPNs working for him, drawing blood, etc. and doing the interview work (weighing, taking BP). However, for his patients on BP meds the Dr. will take your BP again himself, just to be thorough.

    What I found particularly interesting was learning that both an LPN and a Licensed Paramedic, upon entering the military, immediately are awarded the rank of Specialist E5 (Army) or Petty Officer 2nd class (Navy as a result of their civilian training achievement. By contrast the military does not recognize chiropractic at all.   

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    « Reply #4 on: September 05, 2009, 01:03:12 pm »

    Do you know the real reason the MD retakes your B/P?   Because after you have been in the office a while and relaxed, retaking the B/P gives a more accurate reading.
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    « Reply #5 on: September 05, 2009, 01:30:14 pm »

    Do you know the real reason the MD retakes your B/P?   Because after you have been in the office a while and relaxed, retaking the B/P gives a more accurate reading.

    AKA "White Coat-Itis"   -  yes, well familiar with the malady
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    « Reply #6 on: September 12, 2009, 09:50:12 pm »

    Glad to see your clarification GA.  My daughter decided to return to school as a single parent and worked mighty hard to hold down a job and complete 4 years to earn that BSN.  Sure would hate to think it wasn't considered a degree!
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    « Reply #7 on: September 13, 2009, 10:11:08 am »


    Sorry for the initial confusion. Let me see if I can beat this to death in explaining my understanding of this. (Again pls correct me where I'm wrong or mistaken).

    The "LPN" is not considered a degree'd position, because there is no recognized academic degree associated with LPN training.  Going to nursing school to get your "LPN" is equal to someone going to trade school to learn a trade or craft.  You "graduate" with a certificate, but not a degree. Anyone with a high school diploma (even a GED) can go to LPN school, successfully complete the training, pass the state license test and become an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).  In some states an LPN is considered an hourly position (Salaried, non-exempt) and must therefore be paid overtime. Are you with me so far?

    By comparison, the "RN" credential, like an "LPN" credential is also a level of state licensure, not an indication of any specific "degree" per se. However, RN's are in fact "degree'd" in that they all hold some level of academic degree in addition to their RN license.  This can be an Associates Degree (RN, ASN), or a Bachelor's Degree (RN, BSN), or a Master's Degree (RN, MSN - or NP), or a Doctorate (RN, PhD or DON) in nursing. An "LPN" by comparison is someone that more or less completes a course of study after some specified period (9 to 12 months typically) of concentrated medical training, but with no academics. Most often these "schools of nursing" that offer the LPN certificate are associated with a medical hospital and the LPN-in-training learns his or her craft in that hospital.

    My point is an LPN is an LPN, is an LPN, with no degree.  An "RN" on the other hand, is much more so the initials following the designation "RN" are what's important to recognize as the person's degree and level of schooling. It's important to understand the differences. To explain further, you cannot be "just" an RN. There must also be an academic degree associated with your "RN" license.

    Often the LPN certificate is a "stepping stone" to becoming an RN, but the RN achievement doesn't come without some varied level of college-level academics, ie, the Associates, Bachelor's, Masters, etc degree.  Again, to make the comparison clearer, an LPN needs only a HS diploma + 9~12 months of nursing school to acquire their credentials.  An RN will typically have at least 2~3 years of nursing school plus 2, 4, 6, or more years of college, depending on the level of their degree.

    How'd I do?
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    « Reply #8 on: September 13, 2009, 01:45:55 pm »

    You did pretty good, but my question is why do you feel the need to explain all this?
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    « Reply #9 on: September 13, 2009, 05:33:15 pm »

    You did pretty good, but my question is why do you feel the need to explain all this?


    Didn't you ask me a similar question about chiropractors? Two reasons: Partly to gain a better understanding myself and partly to help educate others about health care providers.  As example consider Jay Leno's 'Jaywalking" segment and the "Battle of the Jaywalk All Stars". (Those are real people and they breed and they vote).   Ask most any person on the street almost anything about the various healthcare professionals and you will learn that most people haven't the first clue. To many of them a nurse is a nurse. That's wrong and they need to know the difference.

    Love a Nurse (P.R.N.)


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    « Reply #10 on: September 13, 2009, 07:01:27 pm »

    No, I didn't ask you about Chiropractors but I remember someone did.  I was just curious.....When we operated nursing homes we designated each department a different color.  EVERYONE had to wear a name tag with their title on it and only nurses could wear white.......WHY?  because families would ask the aides, housekeepers, dietary help, whoever, questions that should only be answered by the nurse, so we wanted to make it easy for them to identify the nursing staff.  Unlike today, every nurse had to wear her school cap...after all it's her dignity.
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    « Reply #11 on: September 13, 2009, 07:32:31 pm »

    No, I didn't ask you about Chiropractors but I remember someone did.  I was just curious.....When we operated nursing homes we designated each department a different color.  EVERYONE had to wear a name tag with their title on it and only nurses could wear white.......WHY?  because families would ask the aides, housekeepers, dietary help, whoever, questions that should only be answered by the nurse, so we wanted to make it easy for them to identify the nursing staff.  Unlike today, every nurse had to wear her school cap...after all it's her dignity.

    Sounds like a great plan! How many other nursing home facilities follow this example? I think it's a swell idea & should become a requirement in every medical care facility.
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    « Reply #12 on: September 13, 2009, 07:40:31 pm »

    The nursing homes around here no longer require uniforms.  Most nurses wear scrubs as do aides so you really have no idea who you are talking to.....leaves a lot of room for error. 
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    « Reply #13 on: September 14, 2009, 11:10:55 am »

    Maybe it depends on who is doing their laundry.  Wink
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