While registered nurses (RNs) have more career options and pay, licensed practical nurses (also known as licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs, in California and Texas) are a crucial part of a healthcare team. And you need to have either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to work as an RN.
Benefits of earning an RN degree as an LPN
It makes sense for an LPN to enroll in an RN program and obtain RN status. Earning an RN degree has a variety of advantages, including the following:
What is an LPN to RN program?
The skills learned in the LPN program are expanded upon in an accelerated and condensed program called an LPN to RN program. As an LPN, you will already have learned many of the fundamental theoretical concepts and practical skills needed to provide patient care, which enables you to become an RN in a lot less time. Many schools allow students to take exams for subjects they are already proficient in because LPN to RN programs want to help you become an RN as quickly as possible. If the student performs well on the test, these results may count toward degree requirements.
Make sure your program is approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) before enrolling. Additionally, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) can accredit BSN programs.
There are two different kinds of LPN to RN programs: the entry-level LPN to Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program and the LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program.
LPN to ADN program
Although the standard ADN typically requires two years of full-time study, you could qualify with an ADN through an LPN to ADN bridge program. There are between 60 and 72 credits in LPN to ADN programs. The program’s emphasis on practical nursing skills complements the course’s coverage of the fundamental patient care skills. All states require that nurses pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to become licensed as RNs, so these courses prepare nursing students for it.
Throughout the program’s clinical hours, you are required to attend practical training. Courses include between 200 and 500 hours of patient supervision. In some cases, students must set up their own clinical hours, but schools may arrange this training for their students.
Although you can qualify for RN status with the ADN, you should be aware that the BSN is quickly overtaking it as the preferred degree, and many employers now specify that it is a requirement.
LPN to BSN program
The LPN to RN bridge programs allow you to obtain a BSN in three years as opposed to the standard four years required for a BSN. 120 credit hour LPN to BSN programs prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam.
The course builds on the material covered in the ADN course and is much more demanding. The curriculum covers public and community health, social sciences, advanced sciences, organizational leadership and management, and nursing theory. The BSN focuses more on nursing theory than the ADN.
RN salary and outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for registered nurses in all specialties is expected to increase by 12% between 2018 and 2028. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This forecast for growth is higher than the one for the overall job market. To replace RNs in the workforce who are retiring, more RNs must enter the healthcare industry.
As the population ages and lifespans lengthen, job opportunities for nurses (RNs) arise. It is common for older people to experience more health issues than younger people, which increases the prevalence of chronic illnesses and conditions like diabetes, arthritis, coronary disease, and dementia in the general population. RNs are more in demand overall and are especially needed in certain specializations, like oncology and geriatrics.
An RN is more senior than an LPN, which means they have more responsibilities. The majority of RNs work in hospitals. However, the majority of LPNs work in residential care facilities and deliver fundamental healthcare.
When you have an RN, you have a lot more opportunities for employment and career advancement because you need less or no supervision and can perform more complicated procedures. Some of the nursing positions that call for RN status are listed below. Please click on the salary link next to each job title for the most recent information from Indeed.
A home health nurse’s main responsibilities include providing care to a variety of patients in their homes. Patients may require care if they have recently been released from the hospital, are elderly, disabled, or suffer from a chronic, ongoing illness.
These nurses’ main responsibilities include providing care for newborns with medical conditions. Additionally, they educate new parents and support babies as they are born, particularly if they are premature.
Primary Tasks: A nurse practitioner is a skilled nurse who carries out many of the same tasks as a doctor. You must pursue a Master of Science or Ph.D. and be a registered advanced nurse. D. in Nursing.
Online LPN to RN programs
As an alternative to the conventional college campus-based program, LPNs can select to enroll in an online LPN to RN course. Online programs, also known as “hybrid programs,” have been created by colleges and universities to meet the needs of LPNs who continue to work in nursing while pursuing their RN credentials. The following are a few benefits of selecting an online LPN to RN program:
Most colleges offering online programs operate in a similar manner. The majority of classes and exams are taken online by students, but they must attend laboratory and clinical experience modules on campus. Some programs permit students to complete all or a portion of their clinical training with a nearby medical facility.
The majority of students find that online courses offer more benefits than traditional ones. However, you should think about enrolling in a campus-based program if you would prefer to have more peer interaction and real-time access to your lecturers.
You should confirm that the online program you are interested in meets the prerequisites for RN licensure because they differ by state. This is crucial if you want to enroll in an online course that is not offered in your home country. Whatever program you decide on, it is essential to pick one that is accredited.
LPN to RN Bridge Programs!
FAQ
What is the fastest LPN to RN program?
The quickest LPN to RN program allows LPNs to become RNs in as little as one year thanks to LPN-RN bridge programs that lead to an ADN. ADN holders may sit for the NCLEX-RN and submit an application for state RN licensure. Graduates can complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program if they decide to later pursue a BSN.
How long is the LPN to RN bridge program at Jersey college?
Depending on your schedule, the Practical Nursing program’s coursework could take 12 to 18 months to complete. Depending on your track, schedule, and entry option, the Professional Nursing program’s coursework could take anywhere between 15 and 33 months to complete. e. , advanced placement or traditional).
How long does it take to go from LPN to RN in Florida?
The LPN-to-RN Bridge: Fast-Track Part-Time, a component of the Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ASDN) program, allows accepted Licensed Practical Nurses to finish in about 12 months due to the shared body of knowledge between the Practical Nursing program and the Registered Nursing program.
What can LPNs not do?
Depending on the state, a Licensed Practical Nurse is not allowed to administer any kind of medication via an IV line. Although the LPN may flush a peripheral IV line in advance of the Registered Nurse administering an IV medication, the LPN cannot administer the IV medication themselves.
