What defines a nurse? Simply put, nurses are directly responsible for the treatment and provision of the highest quality care for the sick. Florence Nightingale, who was also known as The Lady with the Lamp, is the reason behind Modern Nursing Profession. Today, the nursing profession is not only limited in the hospital setting. A nurse has many alternative options in choosing the optimum workplace setting. From the traditional hospital setting, a nurse can work in school and company clinics, research laboratories, and other health-care related workplace.

Anyone who had finished nursing school is required to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure EXamination-Registered Nurse) in order to obtain a license as a Registered nurse (RN). On the other hand, anyone who is interested to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) must be able to complete one (1) year of practical nursing program from vocational or technical schools. One is also required to pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). These exams are a requirement by all US states and the Board of Nursing (depending on the territory).

Certifications in any work profession is beneficial. It helps as a proof of a person`s extra special knowledge and skills on a particular subject. But Registered Nurses are not required by law to have added certifications in their credentials. However, certifications aids in boosting the chance of being employed. Some of the certifications that a Registered Nurse may acquire are Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC); Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN); Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN); Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN); Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA); Certified in Critical Care Nursing (CCRN); National Certified School Nurse (NCSN); and Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN).

In today`s hospital setting, nurses can be found in the different sections of the hospital. In critical care, emergency, maternal and child care, recovery room, pediatrics, operating room. And these are just some examples of it. But outside the hospital setting, nurses can also be found in research centers, clinics, military branches, public community healthcare. The nurses of this time may have so many workplace to choose from. But still, it all points to the vision of the pioneer of modern nursing. Florence Nightingale strongly believed that the key to recovery of the sick is through sensitivity and to look after the over-all health of an individual.