Glossary of Site Terminology

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• Accelerated BSN

  Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree for those already holding a Bachelor's Degree in another field. Program typically takes one to two years.

• Accelerated MSN

  Master of Science in Nursing program for Registered Nurses to obtain their MSN degree in less than the typical length of the program.

• Accredited

  Accredited nursing programs have been evaluated and approved by a national accrediting body such as the NLNAC or the CCNE. Some programs instead choose to be evaluated and approved by their state governing board rather than opting for national accreditation.

• Associate's Degree

  A two-to-three year program offered at junior and community colleges, an Associate's degree trains and prepares nurses to provide direct patient care in numerous settings. Some hospital nursing schools, colleges, and universities also offer ADN programs.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS/BSN)

  A four-year program offered at colleges and universities that prepares nurses to practice across all health care settings. BSN graduates have the greatest opportunity for advancement. For instance, a BSN is required for entry into a Master's program, which may in turn lead to a career in management, or on to more specialized nursing positions such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Researcher.

• Case Management

  Case Managers are generally responsible for coordinating long term patient care (heart/kidney disease, transplants, etc.), as well as the care of patients who have been discharged from the hospital to home. They may be employed by the hospital or by a health plan. These individuals are a direct point of contact between the patient and his or her physician.

• CNA

  Certified Nurse Assistant. A CNA must complete a training program (which ranges from 80 hours to one week or more), pass a state certification exam, and then register with the state. After that, he or she will be able to work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in some cases, hospitals as part of a health care team.

• Critical Care

  Medical care for a critically ill or injured patient. A critical illness or injury is one that acutely impairs one or more vital organ systems such that the patient's survival is jeopardized.

• Dermatology

  A branch of medical science dealing with the skin, its structure, functions, and diseases.

• Enrollment

  The number of students attending a school or program.

• Gastroenterology

  A branch of medicine concerned with the stomach and intestines.

• Gerontology

  The comprehensive study of aging and the problems of the aged.

• Gerontology Nursing

  A field of nursing focusing on the elderly and subacute, such as those with more chronic medical issues. Sometimes also known as Long Term Care nursing.

• Hospital Diploma

  A two- to three-year hospital-based nursing program that prepares you to deliver direct patient care in a variety of environments. Many diploma schools are affiliated with junior colleges, where you may also take basic science and English requirements, thereby earning an Associate's Degree along with a diploma in nursing.

• Infusion Therapy

  The administration of medications and other therapies through an IV.

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

  Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), as they are called in Texas and California, care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and Registered Nurses.

• Loan

  A financial award that needs to be repaid. Some programs offer loan repayment for incoming nurses. Check with your financial aid office for details.

• Medical-Surgical Nursing

  Men and women in this field are Registered Nurses who work in medical-surgical units of hospitals. They care for patients before and after surgical procedures, and attend to those who are being treated with pharmaceuticals (medications) to manage illness.

• MSN

  Master of Science in Nursing. Master's degree programs prepare nurses for more independent roles such as Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse-Midwife, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Psychotherapist. Master’s-prepared nurses serve as expert clinicians, in faculty roles, and as specialists in geriatrics, community health, administration, nursing management, and other areas.

• Neonatal

  Of, relating to, or affecting the newborn, and especially the infant, during the first month of life.

• Nephrology

  Concerns the kidney and its function.

• Nurse Practitioner

  Nurse practitioners are Registered Nurses with one to two years of advanced education beyond a Bachelor's degree who are able to diagnose illness and prescribe interventions through interview and physical exam, order specific labs and diagnostic testing, and prescribe medications, while still providing health care education, counseling, and supportive care to an individual, family, or community.

• Occupational Health Nursing

  Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing is a specialty practice that provides for and delivers cost-effective health and safety services to employees. The practice is focused on the promotion and restoration of health, prevention of illness and injury, and protection from occupational and environmental hazards within the context of a safe and healthy work environment.

• Oncology Nursing

  A branch of medicine dealing with cancer.

• Operating Room Nursing

  Men and women in this field are Registered Nurses who play key roles in operating room settings, such as assisting during surgical procedures ("scrub nurse"); RN First Assistant (assists surgeon with surgical procedures); or, as a "circulating nurse" who coordinates the team of surgeons, nurses, technicians, and anesthetists who are involved in surgery.

• Orthopedics

  A branch of medicine concerned with the correction or prevention of skeletal deformities.

• Pediatrics

  A branch of medicine dealing with the development, care, and diseases of children.

• Perianesthesia

  A branch of medicine dealing with pre- and post-operative anesthesia.

• PhD

  Doctor of Philosophy. This is typically a research-oriented degree awarded to nurses who have at least a Masters degree, and who do additional work on a given subject and complete a dissertation.

• Postdoctoral programs

  Academic study beyond the level of a Doctoral degree. Postdoctoral programs are usually research-based.

• Private School

  Private colleges and universities are independent educational institutions that are funded by tuition, fees, endowments, and other private sources, as opposed to government or public funding.

• Psychiatric Nursing

  A branch of medicine that deals with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. A psychiatric nurse promotes general mental health; assists clients with self-care activities; provides patient counseling; performs case management; administers and monitors psychobiological treatment regimens; and teaches about health issues, including psychoeducation and crisis.

• Public School

  Public colleges and universities are funded by the state or local government, and are therefore usually less expensive than private schools.

• Registered Nurse (RN)

  A nurse holding an Associate, BSN, or Hospital Diploma degree who is licensed to practice nursing by the state authority after qualifying for registration.

• RN to BSN

  An accelerated one- to two-year education program designed for Registered Nurses who want to earn a BSN degree.

• Scholarship

  A financial award for education that does not need to be repaid.