Are registered nurses the same as nurses?

Registered nurses (RNs) are a type of nurse. In the United States, they are licensed to practice nursing after completing a nursing education program and passing a national exam. RNs can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, and long-term care facilities.

To become an RN, one must first complete a nursing education program. These programs can be found at community colleges, technical schools, and four-year universities. There are two main types of nursing education programs: diploma programs and degree programs. Diploma programs typically take two years to complete, while degree programs typically take four years to complete.

After completing a nursing education program, one must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam tests a nurse's knowledge and skills in a variety of areas, including medical-surgical nursing, obstetrics, pediatrics, and mental health.

Once a nurse has passed the NCLEX-RN, they are licensed to practice nursing in the United States. RNs must renew their licenses every two years by completing continuing education courses. RNs can advance their careers by specializing in a particular area of nursing or by pursuing higher education.

In addition to RNs, there are also several other types of nurses, including practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs are registered nurses who have completed a master's or doctoral degree in nursing and are certified to practice in a specialized area of nursing, such as nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife.