LPN To BSN: Better Opportunities Await
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How is LPN to BSN different from LPN to RN? Why would anyone choose LPN to BSN over LPN vs RN? Many licensed practical nurses who have been working in various health care facilities eventually want to further their education and become registered nurses. That's because no matter how knowledgeable they become or how much experienced they've gained, career and earning opportunities are still limited without an RN degree.
Those who wish to enter the nursing profession without prior experience as LPN or even as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) normally work for an RN degree for entry-level nursing positions.
Nursing degrees can be obtained three ways: complete a two-year associate program, get a nursing diploma that can be earned in three years, or enroll for the four-year bachelor in nursing program.
RNs, after all still hold authority over LPNs and CNAs in the workplace. Even when hospitals and doctor's clinics are leaning towards hiring more LPNs to lower operational costs, it remains that a registered nurse still has supervisory powers over practical or vocational nurses.
Career Advancement from LPN to BSN
However, you also cannot take away the fact that LPNs who have been employed for several years already learned the same nursing principles and practices, and have gained even more knowledge in the practice of the profession.
And this is what was taken into consideration in developing the LPN to BSN bridging program. Becoming an LPN is rewarding in itself but there is so much more opportunities available with further education.
Nursing state boards realized they had to make allowances for those already in the health care service who wanted to further their education and advance their career. This was especially true for LPNs.
Moving forward
LPN to BSN will take another two years to complete. You learn more advance medical terminology, techniques, skills and you will also have to pass the licensure test for nurses, the NCLEX-RN. LPN to BSN online is also available and is a convenient way to complete the program.
With this RN degree on hand, you can begin to chart a new path in your career including taking on administrative or management responsibilities. You may also look into the possibility of completing a masters in nursing degree in the long run.
LPN to BSN programs will also pave the way for specialization. Although some LPNs are able to work in specialized areas, there are still limitations unlike a registered nurse, especially one holding a BSN degree.
A practical nurse who completed an LPN to BSN transition program can concentrate on working in surgery, in the oncology ward, in pediatrics, geriatrics or maternal child care.
The opportunities open to RNs are plenty, and the workplaces, varied. You can even opt to branch out into legal consulting or specializing in forensics. Whatever you choose, the bottom line still is higher income potential than your current LPN salary.
Not all LPN schools offer the LPN to BSN program, but those that do have made it a point to make them comprehensive and truly adapted to the needs of those wanting to upgrade their skills.
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