Perhaps the most famous nurse in history, Florence Nightingale said, “Let us never consider ourselves finished, nurses. We must be learning all of our lives.” Clearly, Ms. Nightingale would have advocated for nurses to advance their training and skills whenever possible. And with good reason!
Don’t get us wrong, nurses at EVERY level are critical to keeping the entire healthcare industry running like a well-oiled machine. But for the LPNs (licensed practical nurses) looking to maximize their potential and increase their opportunities in the nursing profession, making the decision to continue their training to become full-fledged RNs (registered nurses) is a great way to do just that. But before we make the case for why you should consider transitioning from an LPN to an RN, let’s discuss the distinct differences that exist between the two roles, and the state of the nursing industry in general.
What are the Differences Between an LPN and RN?
The main difference between an LPN and an RN is the level of education and training. RNs have typically completed a two to four-year degree program in nursing, while LPNs typically complete a one to two-year program. This additional education and training allow RNs to provide more complex patient care, including assessing patient conditions, administering medication, & IVs, collaborating with doctors to develop treatment plans, and educating patients about their diagnosis.
Another major differentiator between the two is that RNs are also authorized to work independently, whereas LPNs work under the direct supervision of an RN or doctor. In terms of job responsibilities, RNs are typically responsible for supervising and delegating tasks to LPNs and nursing assistants. RNs also document and manage overall patient care plans and can serve as a team leader in the team nursing model of care.
The State of the Nursing Industry
The nursing industry in the U.S. is constantly evolving. There is a high demand for nurses due to an aging population and many areas across the country are experiencing critical shortages of nurses. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 203,200 openings annually for RNs between 2021 and 2031. This rising demand is also a result of healthcare becoming more complex, causing the demand for nurses with advanced training and specialized skills to increase. Nurses who possess these skills and specialized knowledge are becoming more and more valuable to healthcare organizations for their ability to provide more focused and personalized care to patients.
The Case for Advancing from LPN to RN
As an LPN, you’re already providing essential care to patients in various healthcare settings. That makes it an even easier transition to expand your career and future opportunities by pursuing advanced training to become an RN. But there are other compelling reasons to consider.
Future Job Security – the demand for RNs is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down in the coming years. The increased emphasis on preventive care in an aging population, advances in medical technology, and the need for specialty skill sets – are all driving the demand for RNs higher and that means future job prospects look excellent.
Autonomy and Flexibility
RNs enjoy more autonomy and greater flexibility than their LPN counterparts. Let’s face it, when your skills are in demand, and also scarce, you’ll get to call the shots a whole lot more about where you work, and when you work. Plus – being a licensed RN opens doors to opportunities at healthcare facilities you may not have had the qualifications for as an LPN. Combine all that with the ability to work far more independently, and it’s a solid argument for making the transition.
Better Pay
Not only do RNs have a wider range of job opportunities, including supervisory roles, teaching positions, and advanced practice specialties such as nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist roles, those opportunities come with better pay. In terms of salary, the average annual wage for RNs is significantly higher than the wages for LPNs. with a median income of $77,600 for RNs compared to the $48,070 an LPN earns. That’s a nearly 30% difference!!
Let’s recap: the benefits of taking your LPN career to the next level are tangible. In a nutshell, it means – more opportunities, more money, autonomy and flexibility, and maybe best of all, an even more rewarding career path where you get to make even more of a difference in people’s lives! (Need we say more?) Now, let’s talk about how you get there.
The Process of Getting There
The good, no, the GREAT news is, you’ve already done a lot of the hard work. If you’ve already completed LPN training (or LVN as it’s referred to in some states), you’re halfway there! But it’s important to understand every step in the process in the state you’re in. That’s because every state is different and may have unique requirements.
The one thing to know for certain, is that every state requires RNs to be licensed to practice. And to become licensed as an RN, you must complete a state accredited nursing program and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. To summarize, the process involves the following steps.
- Enroll in an accredited RN program: To transition from an LPN to an RN, you must complete an accredited RN program. Depending on the program, this can take between 12-18 months or more.
- Meet the program requirements: Be sure to understand the program requirements. This can include maintaining a specific grade point average, completing clinical rotations, and passing exams. Also, be sure to inquire about whether your previous LPN education credits can be applied to the program you enroll in.
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam: Once you complete the RN program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN examination to become licensed.
- Apply for RN jobs: With your RN license in hand, you are now eligible to apply for RN jobs. And while you’re completing your RN training, get out there and network with your colleagues by joining professional associations, attending industry events, and just connecting with people who are in the healthcare industry.
The best people among us are the ones who earn their living by caring for us. Nurses hold a special place in society by being there for others in their worst times and their best times. If you’d like to learn more about advancing your career to the next level, contact the state nursing board in your state for more information.
