Common Nurse Abbreviations and Terms

To effectively and efficiently communicate in a healthcare system, nurses must have an expansive knowledge of medical abbreviations and terms. Understanding these abbreviations and terms is essential for nurses to provide safe care while also efficiently communicating with other healthcare staff.  

This guide addresses common abbreviations for nursing degrees, certifications, and medical terms that every nurse should know. 

Common license types and nursing degrees 

1. CNA: Certified nursing assistant 
   Under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses, CNAs provide basic patient care, including dressing, eating, and mobility assistance. Training programs typically take a few weeks to complete, making it an entry point into the nursing profession. 
2. LPN: Licensed practical nurse 
   LPNs complete a one-year training program and handle tasks such as administering medications, observing vital signs, and helping with daily living activities.  
3. RN: Registered nurse 
   RNs hold either an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and perform a wide range of duties, including patient assessments and care planning. 
4. ADN: Associate Degree in Nursing 

An ADN is a two-year nursing program that prepares graduates to become RNs to provide patient care in various healthcare settings. 

5. BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing 
   A four-year degree program, a BSN prepares nurses for advanced roles in management, public health, and specialized care. 
6. MSN: Master of Science in Nursing 
   MSN programs offer advanced education in areas such as nurse education, leadership, and clinical specialties, paving the way for roles like nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. 
7. DNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice 
   DNP programs focus on clinical practice rather than research. They’re designed to prepare nurses for leadership roles, including academic faculty positions and advanced patient care. 
8. PhD: Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing 

PhD in nursing programs prepare graduates for leadership roles within the nursing profession, including research positions or academic faculty positions. 

Different types of nurses and specializations 

1. NP: Nurse practitioner 
   NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who diagnose and treat illnesses, order diagnostic testing, and may prescribe medications. 
2. CNM: Certified nurse midwife 
     CNMs provide care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, along with general women’s health services. 
3. CNS: Clinical nurse specialist 
     CNSs focus on improving patient outcomes through research, education, and consultation in specialized areas of healthcare. 
4. CRNA: Certified registered nurse anesthetist 
   CRNAs specialize in administering anesthesia during surgical, obstetric, and trauma procedures. 

Medical abbreviations for nursing certifications 

1. CCRN: Critical care registered nurse 
   This certification is for RNs working in critical care settings such as ICUs or emergency departments. 
2. CEN: Certified emergency nurse 
     CEN certification validates expertise in emergency nursing. 
3. CHPN: Certified hospice and palliative nurse 
     This certification recognizes expertise in providing end-of-life care. 
4. ONC: Orthopaedic nurse certified 
     ONC certification is for nurses specializing in musculoskeletal healthcare.

Common medical terminology & abbreviations for nurses 

1. AC: Ante cibum (Before meals).
   1. This often refers to medications like insulin which are to be administered before meals. 
2. ADLs: Activities of daily living.
   1. This term describes basic tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, and mobility that are assessed in patient care. 
3. ADR: Adverse drug reaction.
   1. This indicates an unintended and harmful response to a medication. 
4. BID:  Bis in die (twice a day) 
   1. This is used for medications taken twice a day, often every 12 hours, 
5. BP: Blood pressure 
   1. A vital sign that measures the force of blood against artery walls. 
6. CABG: Coronary artery bypass graft 
   1. A surgical procedure that restores normal blood flow to an obstructed coronary artery. 
7. DC: Discontinue or discharge 
   1. This refers to stopping a medication or releasing a patient from care. 
8. DNI: Do not intubate 
   1. This indicates a patient does not want to be placed on a ventilator 
9. DNR: Do not resuscitate 
   1. This indicates that no resuscitation efforts should be made in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. 
10. Dx: Diagnosis 
    1. This is the identification of a disease or condition based on the evaluation of symptoms and tests. 
11. ETOH: Ethanol (alcohol) 
    1. This is commonly used to refer to alcohol consumption or its presence in tests. 
12. H&P: History and physical 
    1. This refers to the comprehensive patient history and physical exam. 
13. HR: Heart rate 
    1. The number of heartbeats per minute. 
14. HS: Hora somni (at bedtime) 
    1. This is used for medication orders to indicate administration at bedtime. 
15. IV: Intravenous 
    1. A method of delivering fluids and medications directly into a vein. 
16. NPO: Nil per os (nothing by mouth) 
    1. This indicates a patient should not consume food or liquids, often before surgery or certain tests. 
17. OOB: Out of bed 
    1. This indicates the patient's mobility status or orders to encourage ambulation. 
18. OR: Operating room 
    1. A specialized room in a hospital where surgical procedures are performed. 
19. OTC: over the counter
    1. This references medications and supplements that do not require a prescription 
20. PC: Post cibum (after meals) 
    1. This is often used for medications taken after meals. 
21. PO: Per os (by mouth) 
    1. This specifies oral administration of medication or fluids. 
22. PPE: Personal protective equipment
    1. Specialized gear and clothing, such as gloves, masks and face shields, designed to protect both patients and nurses from bacteria and contagious illness   
23. PRN: Po re nata (as needed) 
    1. This term is used in medication orders to indicate administration based on the patient’s condition. 
24. q.d.: Quaque die (once a day) 
    1. This is a common instruction in medication orders. 
25. Rx: Prescription 
    1. A written order for medication or treatment from a healthcare provider. 
26. STAT: Statim (immediately or right now) 
    1. This indicates urgent or emergency care or administration of medication. 
27. SOB: Shortness of breath 
    1. This is a common symptom in conditions like COPD or heart failure, requiring immediate assessment. 
28. URI: Upper respiratory infection 
    1. A common condition involving the nose, throat, and sinuses. 
29. UTI: Urinary tract infection 
    1. This is an infection in any area of the urinary system, commonly the bladder or urethra. 
30. VS: Vital signs 
    1. These signs involve body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and saturation of O2. 
31. WNL: Within normal limits 
    1. This indicates that test results or observations are within expected ranges. 

Tips for remembering nursing terms & abbreviations 

Mastering nursing terms and abbreviations is a must for clear, efficient communication and quality patient care. Here are some strategies to help you remember and effectively use these terms: 

• Create flashcards with the abbreviation on one side and the definition on the other. 
• Use digital tools like Quizlet or specialized medical acronym apps. 
• Incorporate terms into daily practice and documentation. 
• Collaborate with colleagues to quiz each other on commonly used abbreviations.