Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse
Charlene Kelly
Section Administrator

Nursing and Nursing Support

A Registered Nurse (RN) has obtained two to four years of education at a college, university, or hospital. RNs may practice nursing independently.

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) has obtained nine months to one year of education, typically in a community college. LPNs must always practice under the direction of a RN or other licensed practitioner. 

Only graduates of approved programs of nursing are eligible for licensure in Nebraska. Applicants who have only partially completed a nursing education program and individuals who have been trained as corpsman or other equivalency options are not eligible for licensure as a nurse in Nebraska.

The practice of nursing is a process that occurs during interaction between the nurse and the patient. This process begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s health care needs. The nurse assesses the patient’s needs by interviewing the patient and the family to determine health history and current health status, by physically examining the patient, and by reviewing the patient’s record including the results of diagnostic tests.

Following the assessment, the nurse works together with the patient to develop a plan designed to care for current conditions, improve health status and prevent future illness. The nurse provides a variety of services or interventions for the patient depending on his/her needs. These services range from support for activities of daily living to highly complex technological services necessary to support life and foster the return to health. The nurse has the responsibility to continually monitor the effects of the services being provided and make adjustments or changes as needed.

Throughout this process the nurse is accountable for a caring attitude with the best interests of the patient being the foremost concern.