Should You Become a Registered Nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse?
Are you choosing between becoming a registered nurse or an LPN? If so, you probably want to know about the different degrees available to you. Graduating from a basic nursing degree is key to becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN). If you are interested in becoming a registered nurse, then you will have to graduate from an RN program and also complete licensing requirements.
A licensed practical nurse can also be called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). LPNs are nurses who work under physicians and registered nurses. RNs on the other hand are able to directly work with patients and are tasked with supervising LPNs.
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Degrees in Nursing
An LPN program is ideal for individuals who want to work as a nurse right away. It only takes one year to finish in contrast to RN programs that can take anywhere from two to four years depending on if you choose to earn an associate's degree or a bachelor's one.
A lot of nursing schools offer the two basic RN degree programs. There is a two-year Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) program and a four-year Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Graduates of either program will need to pass the licensing exam to be allowed to practice as a registered nurse.
Benefits of a 2-year Program
You can become a registered nurse in a mere two years. What you will gain from enrolling in this program is that you will be able to work as a registered nurse immediately. An ADN program is a lot faster and more affordable than enrolling into a BSN program. Besides an ADN is all you need to apply to entry-level nursing positions.
Benefits of a 4-year Program
Entering into a BSN program is similar to any regular undergraduate program. While studying for four years, you will get a chance to gain your nursing skills. Obtaining a BSN is most recommended because you will have more employment opportunities and a chance to get paid better as well. With a BSN, you will also be qualified to take a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program if you eventually choose to.
Compensation Earned By a Registered Nurse?
Are you still undecided whether or not you should become a registered nurse or an LPN? Maybe knowing how much is earned by each profession will help you decide. The annual average salary earned by LPNs in America is about $35,000.
Seeing as there is a great need for registered nurses all around the country, the salary offered to them is pretty high. On the average, RNs make about $65,000 per annum. This is practically two times more than what is earned by LPNs.
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Transition Nursing Programs
A lot of nursing schools have transition programs. With these programs LPNs can become an RN without having to start over. Bridge programs offered are usually LPN to RN programs and RN to BSN programs.
Accelerated Nursing Programs
Most nursing schools also offer accelerated nursing programs. Schools began offering these programs because of the high demand for nurses. Those who enroll themselves in accelerated programs are able to earn a registered nursing degree in less the time. These courses are a lot faster but are definitely more demanding.
It doesn't matter if you decide to be a registered nurse or an LPN because these are both great careers. If you are still undecided you can begin as an LPN and transition to an RN in the future.
