Nursing Education and Career Pathways

Nursing Education Overview

• LPNs are prepared as generalists through a vocational school program lasting 9-12 months.
• LPNs must pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam.
• RNs are prepared as generalists through three pathways: Associate's Degree (2 years), Diploma (3 years), or Baccalaureate Degree (4 years).
• All RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
• Master's degrees in nursing are specialty degrees, typically requiring 2 years of study after a bachelor's degree.
• Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), also known as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, include Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives.
• Non-Clinical Master's degrees encompass Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, and Nursing Informatics roles.
• Doctoral degrees in nursing are generalist degrees, typically taking 2-7 years after a Master's degree and include PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy), DNSc (Doctorate of Nursing Science), DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice), and EdD (Doctorate in Education).

LPN vs. RN Roles and Nurse Practice Acts

• In Oklahoma, LPNs are supervised by RNs or physicians.
• RNs in Oklahoma are not supervised by physicians but collaborate with them or other healthcare providers.
• RNs are responsible for assessment, planning care, and delegating tasks to LPNs.
• LPNs work with RNs to achieve patient care goals.
• Nurse Practice Acts vary by state and define nursing roles.

RN Education Pathways

• All three pathways to becoming an RN (Diploma, Associate's, Bachelor's) require passing the NCLEX-RN.
• Graduates from all three routes are allowed to practice as an RN once they have passed the NCLEX-RN.

Diploma Programs

• Diploma programs represent the original model for nurse training.
• Most diploma programs have become Associate or Bachelor's level programs through affiliations with colleges or universities.
• Training is primarily completed at the bedside, with some classroom time.
• There are limited diploma programs remaining in the US, with more programs existing in other countries.
• Diploma programs typically last three years.
• Graduates need a Bachelor's degree to advance to Master's or Doctoral levels.

Associate Degree Programs

• Associate Degree programs typically last two years.
• The focus is on technical nursing skills with some college courses.
• Associate Degree programs became popular during World War II.
• Graduates need a Bachelor's degree to advance to Master's or Doctoral levels.

Baccalaureate Degree (BSN)

• A BSN is considered the "professional" level for RNs.
• BSN programs are four years in length.
• There is an equal focus on classroom and clinical education, with more time spent in both compared to Associate programs.
• BSN programs emphasize leadership and research.
• Graduates are prepared to enter Master's level programs.

Nursing School Accreditation

• Nursing programs must be approved by their state boards of nursing.
• Accreditation indicates a nursing school meets minimum education standards.
• Accreditation involves periodic curriculum reviews and self-studies to meet student needs.
• Accrediting organizations provide guidelines for programs to achieve accreditation.
• Accreditation reviews occur every 8-10 years.
• Accreditation agencies, like NLNAC and CCNE, compare programs to established standards set forth by the US Department of Education.
• Accreditation assures excellent education.
• UCO is approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Nursing and accredited by the CCNE.
• Accredited programs are typically required for scholarships, loans, and military service.
• Employers and graduate programs prefer or require graduation from accredited programs.

Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs)

• APNs have completed an Advanced Practice Master's degree.
• APNs must pass a certification exam.
• APNs need prescriptive authority to write medication orders and must be licensed by their state boards of nursing.
• APNs must maintain continuing education units and clinical hours.
• APRNs include Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives.
• Nurse Practitioners manage patient care, conduct assessments and procedures, write orders, and may engage in research, practicing under their own license.
• Clinical Nurse Specialists are involved in patient care and education, with daily routines including clinical practice, teaching, research, consulting, and management.
• Nurse Anesthetists specialize in anesthesia care and face increased liability.
• Nurse Midwives care for pregnant women and deliver infants, with prescriptive authority; they typically practice "natural birth".

Master's Level Programs

• Master's degrees include Nursing Education, Nurse Informatics, and Clinical Nurse Leader (Nursing Administration).
• These degrees do not require additional certification but certification is available

Nurse Licensure and Certification

• Nurses must be licensed by their state board of nursing to practice.
• Licensure indicates minimal competency and ensures consistent quality of care.
• Mandatory licensure requires passing an exam and registration with a state board.
• State boards differentiate the scope of practice based on licensure.
• Certification indicates a higher level of ability than minimal competency.
• Certification acknowledges increased knowledge and may occur at individual or organizational levels.
• APNs receive certification in addition to their Master's Degree.
• Professional certification is voluntary to validate knowledge and proficiency.
• Certification requires an exam, experience documentation, and letters of reference.
• Certification may increase earning potential and employment opportunities.
• Only those with an Advanced Practice Nurse program completion may practice as such.
• Nurses with Diploma or Associate's degrees may write RN, C after their name.
• Nurses with a Baccalaureate degree may write RN, BC after their name.
• APNs write APRN, BC after their name.
• Nurses at the Diploma, Associate's, and Bachelor's level are not required to complete certification.
• APNs must complete certification to practice and may need to show clinical experience.