Career Snapshots

Nurse Anesthetist (NA) — Nurse Anesthetists provide the same anesthesia services as an anesthesiologist. They work closely with other health care professionals to take care of their patients' anesthesia needs before, during and after surgery. They stay with their patients for the entire procedure, constantly monitoring every important body function and individually modifying the anesthetic to ensure maximum safety and comfort.

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) — Clinical Nurse Leaders put evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. CNLs collect and evaluate patient outcomes, assess cohort risk, and have decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary, although the CNL role is not one of administration or management.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) — Clinical Nurse Specialists can specialize in certain types of diseases, can work in many different medical environments, and can focus on a variety of procedures. CNS's general duties include: clinical practice, teaching, research, consulting and management.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) — Nurse Practitioners provide primary and some acute care, and are qualified to meet the majority of patients' health-care needs. They focus on patients' conditions as well as the effects of illness on the lives of the patients and their families. NPs make prevention, wellness, and patient education priorities.

Faculty — Nursing faculty responds to the goals of service, practice, teaching and research. They are responsible for teaching the practice of nursing to health care colleagues, administrators, and clients.