Nurses are an essential part of the hospital hierarchy. Several nurses with different levels of training may all play a role in your child’s treatment.

• Nurse assistant or aide. A nurse assistant can take vital signs (heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure), perform hygiene care, or change bedding.

• Licensed practical nurse (LPN). LPNs take vital signs, give medications, and perform general care under the supervision of a registered nurse.

• Registered nurse (RN). An RN has a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in nursing, then takes a licensing examination. These medical professionals give medicines, take vital signs, start and monitor IVs, and communicate changes in condition to doctors.

• Nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed an educational program that covers advanced skills. In some hospitals and clinics, nurse practitioners perform procedures, such as spinal taps.

• Head nurse or charge nurse. A head nurse supervises all the nurses on the floor for one shift.

• Clinical nurse manager. A clinical nurse manager is the administrator for an entire floor, unit, or clinic.