Certified nurses usually provide care in advanced nursing specialties, performing a range of tasks from patient assessment and medication administration to processing and analyzing diagnostic reports. Most nursing certifications are offered in a specific area of nursing and require a nursing degree as well as practical experience.
Certified Nurse Job Duties
A certified nurse typically works in a specialized area of nursing care defined by patient population, treatment type, body system or a specific health condition. There are a variety of nursing certifications offered by a range of organizations, including the American Nurse Credentialing Center and the National League for LVN Nursing.

Some certified nurse job duties are very specific, such as anesthesia administration or surgical assistance, while others include a broader array of responsibilities. Job duties for nurses certified as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists or other advanced practice nurses involve examining patients, making diagnoses, providing treatment and managing long-term care plans. Other nurses certified in education, public health or administration teach and manage students, community members or healthcare professionals.