Types of Nursing Degrees in Texas
- There are many types of nursing degrees in Texas, including degrees for Registered Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses.operation nurse image by Andrey Rakhmatullin from Fotolia.com
Nursing is a demanding but rewarding career that allows practitioners a high level of flexibility in an often fast-paced and stimulating medical environment. Individuals interested in pursuing a nursing career in Texas can begin by earning a nursing degree. There are several types of nursing degrees available in Texas. The type of degree a student pursues will affect the level and type of care he will provide patients. - Registered Nurses operate medical equipment, assist doctors during surgery, and administer care plans for patients according to physician outlines. RNs may work at hospitals or through private care facilities, such as a doctor’s office. Most RNs work in one particular department or medical field, such as trauma, critical care, hospice, or transplants.
In order to be an RN in Texas, you must complete two or more years of higher-level education and earn at least an Associate degree in Nursing. Most hospitals prefer to hire RNs who have a four year Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN), which emphasizes clinical practice in addition to classroom learning. Additionally, RNs must pass the NCLEX Texas state licensing exam in order to practice.
Many colleges and universities offer continuing education programs for RNs so that they can continue their nursing education and stay up-to-date on the most current medical technologies that they may be required to use. Some schools also offer RN-to-BSN programs for nurses who already have a nursing diploma or Associate degree who would like to earn a BSN. - A Licensed Vocational Nurse works alongside a team of nurses and health care professionals to provide hands-on medical care for patients. LVNs may not have the authority or permission to fill a doctor’s orders directly but LVNs can follow an RN’s direction. LVNs have more in-depth duties than Certified Nurses Assistants (CNAs), which may include administering injections and medications, inserting IVs, newborn care, and baby delivery.
An LVN degree generally takes a year to complete and can be obtained through an educational program at a hospital or college. - While many RNs work in a particular medical field or on a hospital unit, RNs do not have the highest level of education possible to allow them to make important medical care decisions, such as decisions about a patient’s prescriptions.
If you want to specialize in a particular medical field and achieve greater patient care autonomy, there are many Advanced Practical Registered Nurse (APRN) options, including: Certified Nurse Specialist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Nurse Midwife, and Nurse Practitioner. - Higher-level nursing degrees include a Master of Science in nursing and a PhD in nursing. These higher level nursing degrees are great options for individuals who want to perform nursing research or teach in a nursing program.
- While not technically a nursing degree, certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) may be a good starting point for individuals who want to commit to a nursing career. Becoming a CNA takes only a few weeks of training. However, as it requires little experience, CNAs have limited responsibilities. Performing tasks directed by a nurse, a typical day for a CNA usually involves basic non-invasive care—checking vital signs, feeding and washing patients, and readying rooms and care facilities.
