Nursing Abbreviations and Acronyms in 2025

Nursing Abbreviations and Acronyms: 2025 Edition

Nursing, like many professions, has its own set of specialized terms. Understanding these can be challenging for newcomers and those outside the field. This guide provides a detailed overview of commonly used abbreviations and acronyms in nursing and hospital environments.

Professional Licenses

• A-GNP: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• APRN: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
• CNS: Clinical Nurse Specialist
• CRNA: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
• FNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
• LPN: Licensed Practical Nurse
• LVN: Licensed Vocational Nurse
• NP: Nurse Practitioner
• PMHNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• RN: Registered Nurse
• WHNP: Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Certifications

• CCM: Certified Case Manager
• CDN: Certified Dialysis Nurse
• CNA: Certified Nursing Assistant
• CNE: Certified Nurse Educator
• CNL: Clinical Nurse Leader
• CNM: Certified Nurse Midwife
• LNC: Legal Nurse Consultant
• OCN: Oncology Certified Nurse
• RNC: Registered Nurse Certified
• SANE: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
• TCRN: Trauma Certified Registered Nurse
• TNS: Trauma Nurse Specialist
• WCC: Wound Care Certified
• WCN-C: Wound Care Nurse Certified
• WOCN: Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse

Hospital and Clinical Abbreviations

• A&O: Alert and Oriented
• ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• AMA: Against Medical Advice
• BLS: Basic Life Support
• C&S: Culture and Sensitivity Test
• CCU: Critical Care Unit
• CEU: Continuing Education Unit
• CMA: Certified Medical Assistant
• CRT: Certified Respiratory Therapist
• CNO: Chief Nursing Officer
• DNR: Do Not Resuscitate
• DO: Doctor of Osteopathy
• ER: Emergency Room
• H&P: History and Physical
• I&O: Intake and Output
• ICU: Intensive Care Unit
• IM: Internal Medicine
• L&D: Labor and Delivery
• LOC: Level of Consciousness
• MD: Medical Doctor
• MSW: Medical Social Worker
• NICU: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• NPO: Nothing by Mouth
• NRP: Neonatal Resuscitation Program
• OBT: Obstetric Triage Unit
• OR: Operating Room
• OT: Occupational Therapy
• PACU: Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
• PALS: Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• PCA: Patient Care Assistant
• PCU: Progressive Care Unit
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
• PRN: As Needed
• PT: Physical Therapy
• RT: Respiratory Therapy
• ST: Speech Therapy
• Tele: Telemetry Unit

Common Nursing Degrees

• ADN: Associate Degree in Nursing
  A two-year program that prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses.
• BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  A four-year degree that includes all ADN coursework plus additional studies in management and research, leading to eligibility for the NCLEX-RN.
• MSN: Master of Science in Nursing
  Typically a two-year program requiring an ADN or BSN and a nursing license, enabling specialization and roles such as nurse practitioner or advanced practice registered nurse.
• DNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice
  A program that may take two or more years, requiring an ADN, BSN, or MSN and a nursing license, leading to advanced clinical practice roles.

Nursing Degree FAQs

What is the quickest path to becoming an RN?
Enrolling in an ADN program is generally the fastest route, allowing graduates to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Is a BSN required for nursing?
No, a bachelor's degree is not mandatory. Completion of an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN are essential. Options include LPN, LVN, or ADN programs.

Are bridge programs available?
Yes, several pathways exist for transitioning between degrees, such as LPN-to-RN and RN-to-BSN programs. For more information, visit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

What is the NCLEX?
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) assesses nursing competence. In the U.S. and Canada, passing the NCLEX-PN (for LPNs/LVNs) or NCLEX-RN (for RNs) is required for licensure. Learn more at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Understanding these abbreviations and acronyms is crucial for effective communication in healthcare settings. For further information or clarification on specific terms, consulting reputable nursing resources or healthcare professionals is recommended.

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