Job title abreviations - help!!!

When I read these threads I get so confused over the different initials for job titles i.e LPN, BSN ect. I'm british so I don't know what these stand for. Can someone help, then at least I might be able to understand better . Thanks

Emma

p.s: if any of you want to know any british ones, i'll try to help:)

[mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP]

LPN=Licensed Practical Nurse. BSN=Bachelor of Science in Nursing. MSN=Master of Science in Nursing. ADN=Associate Degree of Nursing. CNA=Certified Nursing Assistant. RN=Registered Nurse. CMA=Certified Medical Assistant. Every state is a bit different on their abbreviations but those are the basic ones.

All require a different level of eduation, ranging from 6 months to 6+ years depending on what you want to do with your eduation and degree.

Hope that helps some!!!

[Fiona59]

LPN (two years at college) roughly your old SEN

In Canada its RN. There are no more two year RN's, they all need their BScN. Most don't use those initials after their name, just RN.

MSN, and PHdN usually work in education.

NA is a nursing assistant. ADL, (feed, bathe, make beds). Most provinces require a course (3-6 months). Some call the PCA patient care aides, RCA, resident care aides.

Then there are a whole bunch of other initials for 3rd year RN students working hospitals: ENS employed nursing students, ACW accredited care worker --they work to the same scope of practice as an LPN.

Hope this cleared the mud abit

[rnmelissa]

to add a little more confusion.

there is also UAP unlicensed assistive personnel same as CNA but also performs blood draws & EKG's. these are also referred to as PCT patiet care technicians.

their training is done in the area they chose to work.

[loriangel14, RN]

Also don't forget....Canada has PSW's (personal support workers) they function like LPN's and RPN's (registered practical nurses) ( 2 and a half yrs school)which are more than LPNs but under RN's. This is an intersting topic. Each area has so many variations.

[Fiona59]

RPN in Alberta and British Columbia is Registered Pychiatric Nurse.

I always thought a Practical Nurse is a Practical Nurse because of the National exam.

But it seems each province trains/educates differently. Alberta was four semester when I did it (with courses in maternity, peds, mental health). Roughly half our time was spent working in hospitals. Now they are planning to turn it into a 2yr diploma with credits in first year English, Psychology, etc. in 2007.

I've seen the BC course outlines. They don't include the maternity, mental health etc.

Come to think of it, hospitals have it good. We pay for the clinical courses to work for free on their units to gain experience to eventually return to work for them.

Sorry, I'm a bit cynical this am.

[celticqueen]

My mind is boggling over how many job titles there are!!! But at least now I can refere to this when I'm reading here and have a bit more insight.

Cheers everyone X

Emma

[celticqueen]

RPN in Alberta and British Columbia is Registered Pychiatric Nurse.

I always thought a Practical Nurse is a Practical Nurse because of the National exam.

But it seems each province trains/educates differently. Alberta was four semester when I did it (with courses in maternity, peds, mental health). Roughly half our time was spent working in hospitals. Now they are planning to turn it into a 2yr diploma with credits in first year English, Psychology, etc. in 2007.

I've seen the BC course outlines. They don't include the maternity, mental health etc.

Come to think of it, hospitals have it good. We pay for the clinical courses to work for free on their units to gain experience to eventually return to work for them.

Sorry, I'm a bit cynical this am.

What, you have to pay to do the nursing course??????

Emma