Diploma Nursing: Job Description, Levels and Career Paths

Nursing offers a diverse range of career paths, each with its own set of responsibilities, educational requirements, and opportunities for professional growth. From providing direct patient care to influencing healthcare policy and organizational decisions, nurses play a vital role in promoting health, preventing disease, and helping patients manage illnesses. Whether you want to focus on patient care or rise to a top position in a healthcare organization, several levels of nursing are open to you. Which doors open and when depends on your level of nursing degrees and professional experience. In general, different levels of nursing fall into three categories: non-degree, degree and advanced degree.

Levels of Nursing: From Entry-Level to Advanced Practice

The nursing profession encompasses various levels, each with distinct roles, responsibilities, and educational requirements. These levels range from non-degree positions like Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to advanced practice roles requiring master's or doctoral degrees.

Non-Degree Nurses

Non-degree nurses include certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who complete nursing-level education programs that don’t culminate in a degree.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Position Description: Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) typically work in home care and long-term care settings. Also referred to as nursing assistants and nursing aides, CNAs often serve as the primary point of contact between the patient’s family members and the healthcare organization. They assist with daily patient activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and ambulating. At this level of nursing, CNAs provide companionship and compassionate care.
Nursing Degree Level Requirements: Becoming a CNA typically requires a high school diploma or GED, as well as completion of a state-approved CNA program. These programs require a specified number of training hours, classroom hours, and lab or clinical practice.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Position Description: This level of nurse, known as a licensed practical nurse, is responsible for providing patient care by acting as the primary communicator between the healthcare team and the patient. They may be responsible for communicating with the patient’s family. Under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians, L.P.N.s may care for patients of all ages. Using learned technical skills, L.P.N.s assist patients in meeting their physical and psychosocial needs. Many employment opportunities are available to L.P.N.s in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and home care.
Nursing Degree Level Requirements: Becoming an LPN does not require an associate degree or bachelor’s degree but rather the successful completion of a practical nursing certificate program. These programs can typically be completed within one year and are designed for working individuals. All states require Licensed Practical Nurses to pass a licensing examination known as the NCLEX-PN after completing a state-approved practical nursing program.

Degree Nurses

Levels of nurses include those with an undergraduate degree in the field, such as an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Registered Nurse (RN)

Position Description: Most people associate the word nurse with the role of a registered nurse (RN). RNs are a level of nurses with a broad range of responsibilities, including administering medication, contributing to a patient’s plan of care, and collaborating with medical doctors. In some workplaces, RNs oversee CNAs and LPNs. Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. Registered nurses set up plans for patient care. Most registered nurses work as part of a team with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Registered nurses’ duties and titles often depend on where they work and the patients they work with. For example, an oncology nurse works with cancer patients and a geriatric nurse works with elderly patients. Some registered nurses combine one or more areas of practice. Many possibilities exist for working with specific patient groups. Public health nurses promote public health by educating people on warning signs and symptoms of disease or managing chronic health conditions. Some nurses do not work directly with patients, but they must still have an active registered nurse license. Nurses have many duties, including caring for patients, communicating with doctors, administering medicine and checking vital signs. Simply put, nurses are life-savers. In fact, nurses outnumber doctors 3:1 in the healthcare industry. A registered nurse is a nurse who has obtained a nursing degree, has passed the NCLEX-RN exam and has fulfilled all other state licensing requirements. While an associates degree is the minimum education required to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, a bachelor's degree or higher is becoming more commonly preferred among employers. They are continuously monitoring and evaluating patients, nurses must be smart, adaptive, educated and skilled in critical thinking. Nurses’ responsibilities include coordinating with multiple specialists to ensure that their patients are adequately on the road to recovery. Not all registered nurses work in hospitals. You can find a nurse in a wide variety of health care settings, including doctor’s offices, urgent care centers, pharmacies, schools, and many other locations. Nurses have the ability to use their skills to meet the needs of their patients, pretty much wherever they are located. For example, many nurses now assist the elderly or disabled in their homes.*Assessing, observing, and speaking to patients*Recording details and symptoms of patient medical history and current health*Preparing patients for exams and treatment*Administering medications and treatments, and then monitoring patients for side effects and reactions*Creating, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans with the medical team*Performing wound care, such as cleaning and bandaging them*Assisting in medical procedures as needed*Operating and monitoring medical equipment*Drawing blood, urine samples, and other body fluids for lab work*Educating patients and family members on treatment and care plans, as well as answering their questions*Supervising licensed practical and vocational nurses, nursing assistants, and nursing students
Nursing Degree Level Requirements: To become an RN, earn either an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). In most states, nursing degree levels such as an ASN and BSN, along with passing the NCLEX-RN exam, qualify you to work as an RN. However, some states are pushing legislation that requires RNs to earn a BSN. Becoming an RN through an associate degree nursing program is ideal for those who do not want to attend a four-year program. In the past, these programs were typically offered through community colleges. Now, however, some four-year institutions are offering ASN, or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), programs. In today’s job market, the BSN leads all nursing levels, in general, to better salaries and more opportunities. A BSN program typically takes four years to complete and may require full-time immersion. It is becoming increasingly mandatory for RNs to earn a BSN. Some states now require RNs with ASNs to return to school for further training. Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Nursing education programs usually include courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology psychology, and social and behavioral sciences. Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree programs, like programs in some other healthcare and related fields, typically take 4 years to complete; associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and associate of science in nursing (ASN) degrees also typically take 4 years to complete. Diploma programs, usually offered by hospitals or medical centers, typically take 2 to 3 years to complete. There are far fewer diploma programs than there are BSN, ADN, and ASN programs. In addition to science courses, bachelor's degree programs usually include education in communication, leadership, and critical thinking. Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of education programs (bachelor’s, associate’s, or diploma) qualify for entry-level positions as a staff nurse. Registered nurses with an ADN, ASN, or diploma may go back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree through an RN-to-BSN program.

Advanced Degree Nurses

A master’s degree in nursing paves the way for advanced career opportunities and expanded employment options.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

Position Description: To become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you must be an RN ready to take on more of a leadership role in patient care. While RNs typically focus on implementing a plan of care, APRNs focus on directing a plan of care. Becoming an APRN often requires further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). USAHS offers an MSN program with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role specialty, which leads to becoming a . NP is a nursing level that allows you to perform the typical duties of an RN, as well as diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication with physician supervision in some states, advise on public health issues and provide more advanced interventions. Some RNs may become nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners, which, along with clinical nurse specialists, are types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs need a master’s degree but many have a doctoral degree. Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). They provide direct patient care in one of many nursing specialties, such as psychiatric-mental health or pediatrics. CNSs also provide indirect care by working with other nurses and medical staff to improve the quality of care that patients receive. They often serve in leadership roles and may educate and advise other nursing staff.
Nursing Degree Level Requirements: If you want to study to become an APRN, you must have an RN license and usually at least one year of experience working as an RN. After you earn your degree, you must pass a certification exam from an accredited national organization, such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) must earn a master’s degree in nursing and typically already have 1 year or more of work experience as an RN or in a related field.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Position Description: Earning your master’s degree is an opportunity to deepen your clinical expertise or grow as a healthcare leader. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates designed for working nurses. Our degrees are offered online, with optional on-campus immersions.* Role specialties include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)** and Nurse Executive. The MSN and DNP have options to accelerate your time to degree completion. Earn your advanced nursing degree while keeping your work and life in balance. *The FNP role specialty includes one required hands-on clinical intensive as part of the curriculum. At the MSN level, students can choose from five specializations: Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Nursing Degree Level Requirements: Most MSN programs require candidates to have practiced as an RN with a BSN for at least one year, with proof of an unrestricted RN license. Other admissions requirements for MSN programs may include a background check, a personal essay, a resume or curriculum vitae and professional references.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Position Description: Like the MSN, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is not a role but one of the levels of nursing degrees you can earn, and doctoral-level preparation can be considered as the next level of nursing above the MSN. DNP programs, along with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, are for those who want to reach the highest level of nursing. DNPs have a doctoral-level knowledge of healthcare policy, nursing practice, health information systems and organizational leadership.
Nursing Degree Level Requirements: You can apply for a DNP nursing program with either a BSN or an MSN. The BSN-entry nursing student will have a longer plan of study. Two common DNP role specialties are Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nurse Executive. Similar to MSN programs, a DNP typically requires you to have worked at least one year as an RN or APRN. If you are an RN, you will likely need to have a BSN rather than an ASN degree.

Specialized Nursing Roles

Within the broad field of nursing, numerous specialized roles cater to specific patient populations or healthcare settings. These roles often require additional education, certification, and experience. Some examples include:

Oncology Nurse: Works with cancer patients, providing care and support throughout their treatment journey.
Geriatric Nurse: Focuses on the unique healthcare needs of elderly patients.
Pediatric Nurse: Specializes in the care of children, from infancy through adolescence.
Neonatal Nurse: Provides specialized care for newborns, particularly those who are ill or premature, often in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Critical Care Nurse: Cares for patients with life-threatening conditions in intensive care units (ICUs).
Ambulatory Nurse: Works in outpatient settings, such as clinics and medical offices, providing care to patients with a variety of healthcare needs.
School Nurse: Provides medical support, education, and treatment within a school setting.
Nurse Anesthetist: Administers anesthesia to patients in collaboration with surgeons and anesthesiologists.
Family Nurse Practitioner: Delivers family-focused care as part of a healthcare team, diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medication, and providing preventive care.
Pain Management Nurse: Manages patients' pain post-surgery or those suffering from chronic pain conditions.
Travel Nurse: Works short-term contracts in multiple locations, providing temporary staffing solutions for healthcare facilities.

Essential Skills for Nurses

Regardless of the specific nursing role or level, certain skills are essential for success in the profession. These include:

Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze complex situations, identify problems, and develop effective solutions.
Communication: Clear and effective communication with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
Compassion: Empathy and understanding for patients' emotional and physical needs.
Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accurate documentation, medication administration, and patient care.
Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain a well-organized work environment.
Emotional Stability: The capacity to remain calm and focused in stressful situations, providing support and reassurance to patients and families.
Physical Stamina: The endurance to perform physical tasks, such as lifting patients, standing for long periods, and bending and stretching.

Work Settings for Nurses

Nurses work in a variety of settings, including:

Hospitals
Physicians' offices
Nursing homes
Home healthcare agencies
Schools
Clinics
Urgent care centers
Surgical centers
Rehabilitation centers
Assisted living facilities
Government agencies
Military facilities
Corporations

The specific work environment can influence a nurse's daily responsibilities and the types of patients they serve.

Career Advancement in Nursing

Nursing offers numerous opportunities for career advancement. Nurses can advance their careers by:

Pursuing higher education: Earning a master's or doctoral degree can open doors to advanced practice roles, leadership positions, and research opportunities.
Obtaining certifications: Specializing in a particular area of nursing and obtaining certification can demonstrate expertise and enhance career prospects.
Taking on leadership roles: Nurses can advance into management positions, such as nurse manager, director of nursing, or chief nursing officer.
Moving into the business side of healthcare: Nurses with strong clinical experience and business acumen can transition into roles in healthcare administration, consulting, or entrepreneurship.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

The job outlook for registered nurses is projected to grow as fast as average, and jobs may increase by 9 percent. Opportunities should be excellent for nurses with advanced education and training. Demand for healthcare services will increase because of the large number of older people, who typically have more medical problems than younger people. Job growth is expected across most types of healthcare settings, including hospitals and outpatient care centers that provide same-day services, such as chemotherapy, rehabilitation, and surgery. The median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024.

Read also: Nursing Career Options

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