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Nurses play a critical role in today's complex healthcare system. They are often on the front lines of patient care and are directly responsible for developing relationships with patients and ensuring that they get the personalized treatment they need. As a result, there are many opportunities for nurses, but most advanced nursing positions require nurses to have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
The LPN to RN bridge programs are an innovative option for LPN nurses to leverage their existing educational and professional experience to accelerate their education and earn their BSN as quickly as possible.
Nursing Careers Overview
There are seemingly endless pathways to consider within a nursing career, giving nurses the opportunity and ability to personalize their career trajectory and pursue positions that align with their clinical interests. However, many of the most specialized and advanced nursing positions require a BSN degree. According to the American Nurses Association, a BSN degree is the best educational qualification for nurses interested in a lifelong career.
The Importance of Advancing Your Nursing Career
By intentionally increasing your qualifications and improving your clinical skills, you can advance more easily within the nursing profession. Advancing in your nursing career allows you to take on increased responsibilities in clinical environments, potentially increase your earning potential over the course of your career, and pursue broader career opportunities in healthcare.
Overview of the LPN and RN Roles
There are key differences between licensed practical nurses and registered nurses, particularly between the scope of practice. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are primarily responsible for basic patient care, such as taking vital signs, changing wound dressings, and performing bedside care. Registered nurses (RNs) can take on more complex tasks in clinical environments, such as performing diagnostic tests, administering medication, and providing basic patient care.
Benefits of Advancing From LPN to RN
Choosing to enroll in an RN bridge program allows you to enjoy the many benefits of advancing your nursing career, such as:
Professional Growth
An increasing number of healthcare facilities are requiring nurses to have a BSN as the minimum nursing education qualification. Those considering LPN to RN bridge programs will find that earning their BSN degree allows them to access a wider number of positions in the nursing field, including specialized positions in niche sectors of the healthcare industry.
Increased Salary
In most cases, BSN-prepared nurses can enjoy increased earning potential throughout the course of their careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for licensed practical nurses is about $59,000, while the median salary for registered nurses is about $86,000 per year. In addition, BSN-prepared nurses can pursue advanced degrees and certificates that can allow them to obtain leadership positions that may offer a higher salary.
Greater Job Stability and Demand
By recognizing the many benefits of hiring BSN-prepared nurses, healthcare facilities across all settings are becoming increasingly focused on attracting and retaining the leading nurses with a BSN degree. There is expected to be an increase of about 177,000 positions for registered nurses in the United States over the course of the next decade, highlighting the potential within this field.
Educational Pathways for LPNs to Become RNs
There are multiple educational pathways licensed practical nurses can consider if they want to become registered nurses. Knowing the differences between these bridge programs can help you determine which option is best for your career.
LPN-to-Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs
One bridge program you can consider is the LPN-to-Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. This bridge program allows you to accelerate the path toward earning your ADN degree and becoming licensed to practice as a registered nurse. Registered nurses with an ADN degree can take on more clinical responsibilities than LPNs, but their scope of practice is still limited when compared to BSN-prepared registered nurses.
LPN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs
Of all the LPN to RN bridge programs, the LPN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) nursing programs provide nurses with the biggest return on their investment. The BSN pathway allows nurses to earn their bachelor's degree in a shorter amount of time while still enjoying the benefits of this degree program. Nurses who want to consider advanced practice registered nurse positions or who may be interested in earning their master's degree in the future will need to earn their BSN degree first.
Online and Part-Time Options
You will find that online and part-time accredited nursing bridge programs are available, allowing you to balance your current professional and personal responsibilities alongside your education.
Steps to Transition From LPN to RN
If you are considering one of the LPN to RN bridge programs, these are the steps that you need to take:
Research and Choose a Program
Many nursing bridge programs are available, so it's crucial to select the one that is right for your career goals. You will want to consider:
- Program accreditation
- School reputation
- Financial aid availability
- Tuition costs
Complete Required Prerequisites
It's essential to review the admission requirements so that you can complete the required prerequisites for the program. Many programs require nurses to have completed common courses such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. In addition, you may have to meet GPA requirements to be accepted into the bridge program.
Enroll in an LPN-to-RN Bridge Program
Once you find the right bridge program, it's time to enroll. Keep in mind that you will likely have to complete academic coursework as well as clinical practice requirements.
Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
After you graduate with your BSN degree, you must take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is the nursing licensure exam. The average first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-RN exam for US-educated students is 93.35%. You can improve your chances for success by:
- Exploring the Client Needs categories and creating a specific study guide.
- Relying on NCLEX-specific study materials to prepare for the exam.
- Completing practice exams to get used to the format.
Tips for Success During the Transition
These tips can help you successfully transition into your nursing bridge program:
H3: Prioritizing Time Management and Organization
In all likelihood, you will be working as an LPN while completing your bridge program, requiring you to set realistic goals and manage your time wisely each day. While studying should be a priority, don't forget to take time for yourself as well to avoid burnout.
Building a Support System
This is not a journey that you need to take on your own. Connect with mentors and peers in your bridge program to share ideas and create a support system that you can rely on throughout your nursing program.
Leveraging Clinical Experience as an LPN
Throughout your nursing bridge program, you can apply your clinical skills and nursing profession knowledge to new challenges. By leveraging your clinical experience, you will quickly feel confident in challenging and complex clinical settings.
Career Opportunities for RNs
Once you become licensed to practice as a registered nurse, you will find that the career opportunities available to you increase significantly. These are some of the career opportunities available to RNs:
Specialized Nursing Roles
Registered nurses with a BSN degree are qualified to pursue specialized nursing positions. Some of the most common nursing specialties include:
- Critical care nursing
- Pediatrics
- Oncology
- Cardiac care
- Emergency room nurse
In addition to earning your BSN degree, certification programs can help you become more qualified for specific specialty areas.
Leadership and Administrative Roles
Nurses with a BSN degree will also be able to consider leadership positions or administrative roles throughout their career, such as:
- Charge nurse
- Nurse manager
- Nurse educator
Enroll in One of the Leading LPN to RN Bridge Programs at Nebraska Methodist College
The innovative LPN to RN bridge programs are designed to provide nurses with an opportunity to build upon their existing skill set and accelerate the pathway toward becoming a registered nurse. At Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), we offer an Accelerated LPN to BSN nursing program that can be completed within two years, allowing LPN nurses to advance their careers quickly. Request more information about our nursing bridge program today.