Which nursing degree and certification are right for you?

Nursing is an exciting and fulfilling career within healthcare. Nurses play a vital role in delivering care. They should be aware of all available certifications and degrees, as these define both educational levels and specialties that may suit their unique goals.

This article will introduce various nursing degrees available in the U.S. and discuss what each degree entails and its potential applications to your nursing career. No matter your chosen field of nursing practice, protecting it with Nurse Malpractice insurance could be a wise move.

As nurses progress through their careers—from CNAs to Nurse Practitioners—it’s vital to safeguard their work and reputation. BizInsure offers tailored insurance options, including General Liability Insurance and Professional Liability Insurance, to meet the specific needs of nurses and home health providers. Whether you work in clinical settings or deliver care in private residences, you can explore coverage options for home health care professionals. If you’re practicing in a specific state like Kansas or Michigan, BizInsure also offers state-specific solutions to ensure you stay protected under local guidelines.

Types of nursing degrees

With each nursing degree, you can take on different responsibilities and advance in your career. Below is a breakdown of these degrees:

1.     Certified nurse assistant (CNA).

This career offers an excellent entry point into the healthcare industry. CNAs assist patients with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, under the supervision of registered nurses in hospitals or nursing homes.

Education: On average, CNA programs last between four and 12 weeks.

Licensing: Must pass a state certification examination.

2.     Licensed vocational nurses

In California and Texas, they are commonly referred to as LPNs (or LVNs). LPNs provide basic nursing services, such as administering medication, monitoring vital signs, dressing wounds, and providing other basic treatments, under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.

Education Typically lasts 12-18 months, completed through a state-approved program.

Licensing requirements: Must have passed the NCLEX-PN examination.

3. Associate degree in nursing (ADN)

ADNs provide the foundation needed for becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Course content typically covers anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care in this two-year program, which is popular among nurses seeking an efficient path into practice.

Education: Can be completed in two years at a community college, vocational school, or technical institute.

Licensing requirements: Must pass the NCLEX RN test.

4. Bachelor of Science (BSN)

A BSN enables in-depth knowledge of nursing theory and leadership, as well as public health concerns, making it desirable or required in most hospitals.

Education: Requires four years or 1-2 years if you hold an ADN certificate.

Career pathway: Expanded opportunities in employment, such as leadership positions.

5. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Those aspiring to be Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners or Clinical Nurse Specialists, should pursue this route.

Education: Completing a BSN requires 2-3 years.

Career pathway: Opportunities to specialise and focus on a specific field of healthcare.

6. Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), or Ph.D.

These terminal degrees offer advanced knowledge. While a DNP typically focuses on clinical practice, Ph.D. researchers tend to focus more on research.

Education: Your degree could take anywhere between three and six years, depending on where you start.

Career pathway: Leadership roles, education or high-level positions in research.

Nursing certifications

A nurse’s certifications serve as proof of her expertise in specific fields. While some certifications may be voluntary, particular credentials may be mandatory depending on her role and job responsibilities.

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Many nurses must obtain BLS certification. This course covers CPR as well as methods to assist choking victims.

Who needs it: All nursing staff, CNAs and medical students.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification

Renewal should occur every two years for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification, which is mandatory for nurses working in emergency and critical care settings, including emergency room environments. ACLS includes advanced interventions like cardiac arrest and stroke management.

Education: BLS courses often provide this foundation.

Who needs it: ER nurses, ICU nurses and surgical nursing staff

Pediatric Advanced Life Support

Certification in PALS is mandatory for nurses working with infants or children in intensive care or emergencies.

Includes pediatric emergency CPR, respiratory emergencies and shock management.

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

This specialisation certification for nurses demonstrates that they possess expertise in treating trauma and acute illnesses.

Prerequisites: An experienced Registered Nurse must be available.

The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing is the issuing body.

Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) Nurses holding an MSN degree may become certified nurse practitioners after passing a national certification examination.

Benefits: Greater independence and ability to diagnose and prescribe.

Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)

This certification is for individuals who wish to instruct future nurses, either academically or clinically.

Who needs It: MSN and DNP holders who plan to pursue a career in education.

Certification in Infection Control (CIC)

Certification for those working in hospital infection control or public health can demonstrate their proficiency in managing infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics. Nurses working in these fields as infection control specialists can earn this designation to demonstrate their ability to control contagious outbreaks effectively.

Issued by: Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology CBIC

Nurse Malpractice insurance is essential

Every nurse, whether CNA or APRN, should consider investing in Nurse Malpractice insurance as an essential investment in their career. Most employers provide some form of coverage; however, this may not cover every eventuality.

Why it matters: Even if a nurse was not directly at fault, they may still be named in any suit alleging medical negligence or errors.

Who needs one: Every practising nurse, particularly those working independently or in specialties that pose higher risks.

An investment in your career and reputation can go a long way towards safeguarding it.

Your choice of nursing certification and degree depends on your career goals, commitment, and interests. There’s a nursing path suitable for everyone – whether you want to rush into patient care quickly with CNA certification, or spearhead healthcare innovation with DNP credentials.

As your nursing career advances, you must purchase malpractice insurance as part of a safeguard against unexpected problems in the form of scrubs and stethoscopes.