It incorporates both nursing and general education courses and has both theoretical and practical components. There is a common core of knowledge applicable to all spheres of nursing. Learners can build and expand their competencies in order to move from one sphere of nursing to another, using the career mobility concept. Practical nursing graduates are prepared to provide basic nursing care under the direction of a licensed professional nurse, physician, or dentist. Practical nurses utilize, under supervision, scientific knowledge and skills necessary to plan and provide safe client-centered nursing care.
Practical nurses assist the registered nurse in the care of the acutely ill client.
As a directed care provider, the practical nurse carries out physicians' orders and contributes to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of care to clients based on nursing diagnoses. These nurses function primarily in settings with a secondary care focus. Associate Degree Nurses operate on a theory base that is limited in scope and in depth and are vital members of the health care team. In their role, associate degree nurses make nursing decisions regarding client care and direct the practice of less-skilled nursing personnel. BSN nurses develop the ability to assume roles of leadership and administration, utilizing principles of flexibility and change to respond to the challenges of today s complex health care arena.