By Charles B. Inlander

Many of us may not fully understand that nurses have different training, and that nurses typically provide more direct care than any other health specialist.

That’s why it’s important to know the different types of nurses you may encounter in your role as a savvy caregiver.

Registered Nurses (RNs)

RNs are extensively trained and have passed the RN exam. To become a registered nurse, a person can either complete a two year accredited community college RN program, OR complete a three-year hospital-affiliated diploma program, OR complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program from an accredited university. They must then pass a state licensing examination before being allowed to practice. There are more than 2 million RNs in the United States.

Many RNs go on to become Advanced Practice Nurses.These are nurses who take advanced, graduate-level educational courses to become specialized in particular areas of nursing. Following are some examples of the most common Advanced Practice Nurses you might encounter.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

A highly trained registered nurse who in addition to his/her nursing skills is certified to handle some of the functions of an M.D.  Nurse practitioners are often employed by pediatricians and family doctors, clinics, or schools. They frequently see and treat patients.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

A certified nurse midwife is an RN with advanced training in childbirth and the care of women, who has passed a nurse-midwifery certification exam. Be aware that there is a big difference between a CNM and a lay midwife. Lay midwifes are usually not licensed nurses and in many instances are not operating under the supervision of the state.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

If you are being operated on, the actual anesthesia may be administered by a CRNA. These nurses are RNs who have gone through extensive training in the administration and monitoring of anesthesia. If the person you are caring for must undergo a procedure requiring anesthesia, always ask who will be administering it. Whether it’s a physician and/or a CRNA, ask to meet with either or both before the surgery or treatment to discuss any allergies or problems the person you are caring for has had in the past, and what to expect during recovery.

Though RNs may be the nurses you are most familiar with, there are two other types of nurses you should be aware of.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPNs at minimum have a high school diploma and one year of additional training in an accredited hospital or community college program. Over 700,000 LPNs are licensed in the U.S., many of whom work in nursing homes, home care agencies, or assisted living programs, in addition to hospitals. They usually provide general care to patients, although sometimes their duties overlap with non-specialized RNs, depending upon state laws. If the person you are caring for has regular home visits from a nurse, there’s a high likelihood that nurse is an LPN.

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

A CNA is a person with vocational and general healthcare training who assists nurses with their duties. There are now 1.4 million CNAs in the U.S., most of them working in non-hospital settings such as nursing homes, assisted living programs, or home care agencies.

Remember, the right nurse can make a big difference in the care your loved one receives. Nurses provide more face-to-face care than doctors, and are the true go-to people for questions or concerns about your loved one’s health. Many nurses work long hours and may take on the role of multiple disciplines while working. Sometimes, understanding the role and duties of your loved one’s nurse can help you foster a better relationship with him or her.

The more you know about your nurse, and the more you communicate with him or her, the better!