Careers in Nursing
There are several different areas of nursing careers individual can pursue, each with its own unique requirements and rewards. All nursing licensing and scope of practice in the state of Florida is governed by the Florida Board of Nursing.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Nursing Role
Assists individuals with personal care, such as bathing, feeding, mobility, and are prepared to administer CPR if needed. The CNA can monitor health indicators, such as blood pressure under the supervision of an RN, LPN, or physician.
Education
Florida Board of Nursing approved Nursing Assistant training program with a minimum of 75 hours classroom instruction and clinical practice in a licensed nursing facility.
Licensure &
Certification
Must pass the nursing assistant competency exam and complete 24 hours of in-service training every 2 years.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Nursing Role
Promotes wellness, maintenance of good health, and illness prevention. The LPN provides direct patient care and observation and administers medications and treatments under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed physician.
Education
Career and Technical Education Certificate post-high school program that includes 1350 hours of theory and clinical experience and adheres to a standardized curriculum developed by the Florida Department of Education.
Licensure &
Certification
Must pass National Council Licensure Exam-Practical Nurse (NCLEX—PN) and complete 27 hours of continuing education every two years
Registered Nurse (RN)
Nursing Role
Assesses, monitors, and evaluates patient health status using knowledge of scientific principles and clinical judgment. RNs are educated to anticipate risks and prepared to intervene to minimize or prevent medical complications in acutely ill patients. RNs educate patients, families, and communities about health promotion and disease prevention, and have a major role in care coordination. The RN administers medications and treatments prescribed by an advanced practice nurse, physician, or physician assistant.
Education
Bachelor’s (4-year) or Associate’s (2-year) degree that includes a minimum of 675 clinical practice hours. The bachelor’s-prepared nurse has additional knowledge of theoretical and scientific evidence that drives nursing practice, advanced skills in health assessment and leadership, and an understanding of public and community health service.
Licensure &
Certification
RN must pass National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX—RN) and complete 27 hours of continuing education every two years.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Nursing Role
Independently evaluate and manage patients under established protocol with a licensed physician or dentist. Four advanced practice roles are recognized in Florida Statute 464.012.
Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) diagnoses disease and illness, order diagnostic tests, prescribes certain medications, therapies, and equipment, and manages the care of patients with acute and chronic medical and psychiatric conditions. CNPs practice in specific areas of expertise, such as primary care, family practice, pediatrics, psychiatry, and geriatrics.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) provides comprehensive well-women care and manages the patient during labor and delivery, including prescribing and performing some anesthetic procedures.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) selects and administers regional and general anesthetic agents, supports life function, and oversees patient recovery.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) diagnoses, prescribes, treats, and manages the care of patients and specialty populations across the continuum of care. The CNS improves healthcare outcomes by providing direct patient care, leading evidence-based practice, optimizing organizational systems, and advancing nursing practice.
Education
Master’s (MSN or MN) or Doctorate (PhD or DNP) degree in nursing (2 to 6 years graduate education). A Master’s degree from an advanced practice nursing program with a minimum of 500 clinical practice hours prepares nurses for increased complexity of patient care, nursing practice, and expertise. A Doctorate degree from a nursing program can be either research or practice focused. A research doctorate (PhD) prepares nurses to systematically investigate and generate evidence to fill a gap in the current knowledge of various topics. The practice doctorate (DNP) prepares nurses for implementing best evidence into practice, education, or leadership.
Licensure &
Certification
Advanced practice nurses must have an active advanced practice registered nurse license with qualification in one or more of the 4 roles, obtain an appropriate national certification exam for one of the APRN roles, and maintain appropriate continuing education for the APRN role.