Suzy Lockwood has spent over 20 years working in nursing education in Fort Worth.
Lockwood, who serves as associate dean for nursing and nurse anesthesia at Texas Christian University’s Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, has seen class after class of students earn their nursing degrees and venture into the health care industry.
But in recent years, she has seen a growing need for more nurses locally. She hopes more people venture into nursing and research the various options available.
“We need nurses and there are different pathways that work best for (people) to get their degree, whether there are problems with financial constraints or access,” Lockwood said.
The Texas Nurses Association has warned that the state’s nursing shortfall is pegged at about 30,000 — a number that threatens to double by 2032 if left unaddressed.
Lockwood discusses the different levels of nursing that people can pursue:
Certified Nurse Aide
A certified nurse aide helps with a patient’s daily activities including bathing, dressing, eating and moving from place to place. A nurse aide typically works in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and at home.
In order to become a nurse aide, a person is required to have a high school diploma or GED and the completion of a state-approved CNA program and its requirements, according to Texas Health and Human Services. Once a program is completed, a person must pass a state-approved exam to earn their certified nurse aide title and become state certified.
Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse
A licensed practical nurse and a licensed vocational nurse are grouped together by the Texas Board of Nursing. These types of nurses can check blood pressure and vital signs, feed patients, insert catheters, change bandages and start IVs. These nurses typically work in nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices and private homes.
In order to become an LPN or LVN, a person does not need an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, but does need to graduate from an approved program and take the appropriate exam. These programs can usually be completed within one year.
Registered Nurse
A registered nurse is typically what people associate with the word “nurse.” This type of nurse’s duties include conducting patient assessments, administering medications, performing wound care, and working with medical doctors. Most RNs will work in intensive care units, long-term care facilities, physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, schools or home health services.
A registered nurse typically supervises licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses and certified nurse aides. To become an RN, a person must either earn an Associate of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After graduating, a person must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, also known as the NCLEX-RN.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
An advanced practice registered nurse is an RN with a master’s degree, usually a Master of Science in Nursing, with advanced education and training beyond other nurses. Duties include diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications and more advanced interventions.
A Master of Science in Nursing is not a role, but a graduate degree that most nurses receive at a college or university. These types of nurses include clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners and nurse midwives.
To become an APRN, a person must have a registered nurse license and complete an advanced practice nursing education program and a minimum of 400 hours of practice in an advanced practice role. There are several other requirements, according to the Texas Board of Nursing.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice is a research-focused degree that is typically the next educational level for nurse practitioners. This type of degree is for nurses who want to work in a clinical practice rather than working in research or academics. Two of the most common DNP role specialties are family nurse practitioner and nurse executive.
A nurse can apply for a DNP program with either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing. It usually takes two to four years to complete this degree.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)
A Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing is a doctoral degree for those registered nurses who want to work in academic settings. Nurses who pursue this want to focus on research or education rather than leadership roles in a clinical practice. The most common Ph.D. in Nursing roles include a faculty member at an academic institution, government or state agencies, or health policy organizations.
A nurse can apply for a Ph.D. program with either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing. It usually takes four to six years to complete this degree.
“For people who want to do nursing, look at the different programs and see what makes sense for you,” said Lockwood. “(People) may have to look at how they learn best. What are your long-term goals?”
David Moreno is the health reporter for the Fort Worth Report. His position is supported by a grant from Texas Health Resources. Contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or @davidmreports on X.
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