7 Nursing Ranks

Introduction to Nursing Ranks

The nursing profession is a vital part of the healthcare system, and it is divided into various ranks or levels of expertise. These ranks are designed to reflect the level of education, training, and experience that a nurse has acquired. In this article, we will explore the 7 nursing ranks, their responsibilities, and the requirements for each rank.

Nursing Ranks and Responsibilities

The nursing ranks are as follows:

• CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
• LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
• LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse)
• ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)
• BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
• MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Each of these ranks has its unique set of responsibilities and requirements.

CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an entry-level nursing professional who provides basic care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The responsibilities of a CNA include:

• Taking vital signs
• Bathing and dressing patients
• Assisting patients with mobility and transfers
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families

To become a CNA, one must complete a training program approved by the state and pass a certification exam.

LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a nursing professional who provides basic nursing care to patients under the supervision of an RN. The responsibilities of an LPN include:

• Administering medications
• Conducting basic medical procedures
• Monitoring patients’ conditions
• Developing care plans

To become an LPN, one must complete a training program approved by the state and pass a licensing exam.

LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse)

A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is similar to an LPN and is used in some states. The responsibilities of an LVN are similar to those of an LPN, and the requirements for becoming an LVN are also similar.

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a degree that prepares students to become RNs. The responsibilities of an ADN include:

• Assessing patients’ conditions
• Developing care plans
• Administering medications
• Conducting medical procedures

To become an ADN, one must complete an associate degree program in nursing and pass a licensing exam.

BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a degree that prepares students to become RNs with a higher level of expertise. The responsibilities of a BSN include:

• Assessing patients’ conditions
• Developing care plans
• Administering medications
• Conducting medical procedures
• Leading healthcare teams

To become a BSN, one must complete a bachelor’s degree program in nursing and pass a licensing exam.

MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a degree that prepares students to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The responsibilities of an MSN include:

• Providing primary and specialty care to patients
• Conducting research
• Developing healthcare policies
• Leading healthcare teams

To become an MSN, one must complete a master’s degree program in nursing and obtain certification as an APRN.

DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a degree that prepares students to become expert nursing practitioners. The responsibilities of a DNP include:

• Providing primary and specialty care to patients
• Conducting research
• Developing healthcare policies
• Leading healthcare teams

To become a DNP, one must complete a doctoral degree program in nursing and obtain certification as an APRN.

Nursing Ranks Comparison

The following table compares the nursing ranks:

Nursing Rank	Education	Licensure	Responsibilities
CNA	Training program	Certification	Basic care
LPN/LVN	Training program	Licensure	Basic nursing care
ADN	Associate degree	Licensure	Nursing care
BSN	Bachelor’s degree	Licensure	Nursing care, leadership
MSN	Master’s degree	Certification	Advanced practice
DNP	Doctoral degree	Certification	Expert practice

📝 Note: The nursing ranks and responsibilities may vary depending on the country, state, or healthcare organization.

In summary, the nursing ranks are designed to reflect the level of education, training, and experience that a nurse has acquired. Each rank has its unique set of responsibilities and requirements, and nurses can progress through the ranks by acquiring additional education and certifications. The nursing profession is a vital part of the healthcare system, and understanding the nursing ranks is essential for providing high-quality patient care.