Nursing Careers

CNA Overview

A Nursing Assistant assists in providing basic care to persons under the supervision of an LPN or RN. Nursing Assistants can work in hospitals, ambulatory care, or long-term care facilities and are responsible for general nursing care duties, which include taking vitals, feeding, bathing, dressing, walking, etc. How does a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) differ from a Nursing Assistant? A CNA completes a state approved training program and successfully passing a competency exam that tests knowledge and practical skills.

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Education Required

While Nursing Assistants receive training that may be competed on the job, a CNA must have a high school diploma or high school equivalency (GED) and complete a state-approved training program. These educational programs generally consists of a minimum of 75 to 120 hours of training depending on the state and can take place in high schools, colleges, nursing/medical facilities, or online.

Get Certified

If you’re looking to attain your CNA certification, select Sanford Health and Good Samaritan locations in ND, SD, MN and TN have a CNA Training Program that includes online coursework and in-person clinical and lab training to meet your requirements before taking the state certification exam. All hired Nursing Assistants in a participating location are automatically enrolled into a free, 4 month CNA certification program as part of employment. Submit your application today.

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CMA Overview

Certified Medical Assistants work alongside physicians and providers in mainly outpatient or ambulatory care (clinic) settings performing a variety of duties such as obtaining vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, observing and reporting patient’s signs or symptoms, administering medications within scope of practice and help with key administrative duties. Expect to learn, build relationships and provide expert care.

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Education Required

Qualified medical assistants need to complete a recognized medical assistant program and be certified or registered through a nationally approved certification program. Program completion may take between 6 months to two years depending on your education pathway.

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LPN Overview

Licensed Practical Nurses work alongside patients to give basic bedside care. While under the supervision of an RN, LPNs are able to perform and interact with patients in numerous ways. The scope of their practice can include assessing a patient's/client's/resident's needs, performing technical skills, and providing patient education. An LPN can work in a variety of facilities, such as hospitals, ambulatory care (clinics), nursing homes, medical offices, home care, and schools.

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Education Required

An LPN is educated and trained through a state-approved program, and receives either a diploma, certificate, or associate degree in nursing. Admission requirements generally include a high school diploma or GED and entrance placement testing to determine knowledge of basic math and English. These programs offer instruction, knowledge courses, as well as practical training. Each program is designed to prepare the student to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses), an exam which the student must pass for licensure, prior to employment as a LPN.

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RN Overview

Registered nurses provide care, education, and support for patients, families, and communities. They differ from CNAs or LPNs through their RN licensure, furthered education, and widened range of responsibilities. An RN can be a generalist or choose to obtain specialization, which may also require clinical experience and further education. Registered nurses can work in a variety of places, including hospitals, ambulatory care (clinics), nursing care facilities, home healthcare services, public health, schools, business, or the government.

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Education Required

Students may choose to obtain their RN degree via a two-year associate degree (ADN), a four-year bachelor degree (BSN), or if you already have a degree you may be able to obtain via a 12-18 month Accelerated BSN degree. The Institute of Medicine made a strong recommendation that 80 percent of nurses in the workforce should have a BSN degree. Therefore, a goal for nurses should be to obtain a bachelor's degree.

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APRN Overview

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) are nurses with post-graduate education (master's degree or doctor of nursing practice- DNP) that train for one of four recognized roles: Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Midwife, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The APRNs focus is on patient/client/resident care, specifically in health promotion and the assessment, diagnosis, and management of patient problems, including the use and prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. The APRN provider is an integral part of the US health system and provides key services to a variety of patients/populations in acute and ambulatory settings.

Education Required

There are similar steps taken for education in any of the four APRN roles. Nurses pursuing APRN roles generally are required to have current RN licensure in the state while in an APRN educational program, complete an accredited graduate program (MSN or DNP), pass a national certification exam, and then obtain licensure as an APRN. Education completion length depends on the APRN Program you enroll in.

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Management and Leadership

At Sanford Health and Good Samaritan we are continually looking for nurses to work in key leadership roles. Nurse leaders shape the future by fostering staff development, applying evidence based practice, identifying and implementing improvements and using clinical expertise to enhance patient and staff experience. Leadership development is provided at all levels as well as mentoring, coaching and precepting opportunities. Career progression includes charge nurse, nurse lead, nurse supervisor, nurse manager and nurse director.

Education Required

Nurses that are in a leadership or management role are expected to hold an RN license with the State Board of Nursing where the practice of nursing is occurring and/or possess multistate licensure if in a Nurse Licensure Compact state. With a BSN degree preferred, we look for gradutes from a nationally accredited nursing program preferred, including, but not limited to CCNE, ACEN, and NLN CNEA. Specific services/positions may have additional education, training, or experience requirements.

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