Overview
Types
There are many types of nurses, ranging from the common RN to the more exclusive LPN. There are also nursing assistants that aren't really nurses, but are trained to assist them in the daily living process of a patient, and are known as CNA's.
Registered Nurse
The most common route for a nurse, this requires either an Associate's Degree in Nursing, or a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Usually, the four-year program or bachelor's is for nurses who wish to move up to management or higher

Anime Nurse Preparing To Give a Shot
education such as a Nurse Practitioner or a CRNA. There curriculum focuses on advanced anatomy of the body, pharmacy courses, stabilizing the patient, giving various medications, performing minor procedures, and teaching patients about preventive healthcare. They are trained to take blood, blood pressure, vital signs, do CPR, NG Tubes, I.V.'s, sponge baths, administer Oxygen among many many other skills, this is just a very small list
LPN
A nurse with less education, that is mostly employed at LTC's and Nursing Homes. They may work in a hospital environment, but it is a more rare occurence.