There are three major types of nurses: licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners.
LPNs perform basic caretaking tasks like dressing wounds, taking blood pressure, and bathing patients. LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-RN), and are supervised by RNs. The role only requires a high school degree in most cases, according to NursingLicensure.org.
RNs tend to work in hospitals, and while they can provide care without supervision (unlike LPs), they cannot diagnose patients or prescribe them with medication. RNs must hold at least a bachelor's or associate degree, and pass the NCLEX-RN.
NPs must have a master's degree. NPs can diagnose and prescribe medication, on top of performing the duties of an RN. They typically work in private practices or community health clinics, according to Jacksonville University. They also earn the most money: NPs make over six-figures on average, the Bureau of Labor Statistics finds, while RNs make about $70,000 and LPNs make $46,000 a year.
Cecilio said she currently makes $4,000 a month.