The Jackson, Tennessee, metropolitan area is home to nearly 4,000 nursing professionals. Several of the most common roles are nurse practitioner (NP), registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA).
Nurse practitioner is an advanced role responsible for diagnosing, treating, and helping patients manage acute and chronic illnesses. NPs perform minor surgeries and procedures, prescribe pharmacologic treatments, conduct physical examinations, and interpret medical histories. Due to the rigorous demands of this role, they must have specialized graduate education. After passing the NCLEX-RN national licensure exam, NPs must earn a master of science in nursing (MSN), doctor of nursing practice (DNP), or doctor of philosophy (PhD) in nursing with a particular specialization. Common NP focal areas include family practice, pediatric care, women’s health, acute care, cardiology, psychiatric-mental health, and gerontology.
RNs assist with exams and surgeries, review patient treatment plans, measure progress, and evaluate diagnostic tests and patient symptoms. RNs work in all healthcare settings, and they frequently supervise LPNs and CNAs. Professionals in this field typically hold an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and/or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Upon completion of their prelicensure degree program, RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain a license.
LPNs provide care under the supervision of physicians, surgeons, and RNs. They work in hospitals, group homes, nursing homes, and other similar locations. Duties include charting medical records, changing wound dressings, inserting catheters, taking vital signs, collecting specimens, and administering oral and intravenous medications. Aspiring LPNs must complete an accredited, state-approved certificate or diploma program and pass the NCLEX-PN national licensure examination.
CNAs work in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Some CNAs also work in private homes. In healthcare settings, CNAs work under the supervision of nursing and medical staff. They complete routine tasks such as lifting patients into wheelchairs and onto beds; bathing, feeding, and dressing patients; and cleaning and sanitizing patient areas. CNAs may also take vital signs, record patient symptoms, and examine patients for bruises and injuries. CNAs must complete a brief training program of approximately 100 hours and obtain state certification.
Many of Jackson’s nurses earned their degree or certificate at one of the city’s top schools, including Union University, Freed-Hardeman University, or Jackson State Community College. Collectively, these schools offer nursing programs at all levels. Their graduates are routinely hired by major area hospitals and healthcare centers such as Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Tennova Healthcare, or West Tennessee Healthcare. Depending on the role, yearly earnings can range from $22,400 for entry-level CNA positions to $100,000 or more for advanced NP roles.
If you’re ready to launch your nursing career in Jackson, Tennessee, we’ve compiled below a list of top schools in the metro area to help you get started.