You’ve made your decision to advance your career. You want to transition into the position of Registered Nurse (RN) from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), sometimes called an LVN or Licensed Vocational Nurse. The position of RN requires advanced skills and more years of education. Do the requirements, recognition, responsibility and pay of the RN interest you? They might, nevertheless there is much more required of an RN. More requirements to obtain the higher pay. If you really are ready to transition, make sure you have a good understanding of the process, time requirements, responsibility of an RN. Let’s look at each step necessary along with changes expected when you consider the move from a position of an LPN to RN.

The LPN and the RN must go through all comprehensive nursing course requirements before actually practicing their skills. Both fields of study require a sound foundation in the art of nursing and sciences with an understanding of physical sciences and humanities. LPN studies however are usually completed within one year. The LPN degree or certification is an accelerated field whereas the RN requires more time and advanced studies in the areas of science and humanities. By allowing more time in the RN field of studies, the prospective RN will obtain more in depth knowledge thereby becoming specialized in the medical field. RN students are guided in training through classes in physiology, physiology, clinical practices, pharmacology, delivery practices, resource management and team functioning. Most RN studies take up to three or four years for completion. The time requirements in addition to class requirements to complete studies will increase the cost a student must pay.

The cost to gain the additional skills and knowledge required to complete the curriculum for future practice as an RN are drastically increased. A one year program will cost the LPN student somewhere in the range of $8000 to $20,000 give or take a few thousand based on the school selected. A four year education to obtain an RN Degree will range in cost from $20,000 to $28,000. The reason for such a minimal difference is due to the class requirements. As an LPN Nurse, required courses taken in the initial stage of training are the same as an RN. The distinction is the RN has a longer period because of additional training in medicine and people skills. Management and teambuilding are included. More skill levels in coping with people, the psychology behind working with people ill or not is required of the RN. Also, the RN is traditionally considered an authority figure. LPN’s work under the leadership and guidance of RN’s or the doctor. LPN’s also are not required to continuously obtain training. RN’s must maintain their skills through yearly training and licenses obtained must be updated annually.

Can the experience acquired during LPN schooling increase hiring opportunities?

An LPN license might have been revoked or may not have been kept up dated as required of an RN. As such, some schools based on the state of practice, will only allow the most recent nursing classes to apply towards the credit if transitioning. Some states require the RN student begin from ground one. Medicine and medical procedures change drastically. Students of medicine must have their skills maintained annually to assure they know new procedures, studies, and medicines that are available. An RN must be more advanced in her skill level. Not many schools will allow the transition of credits obtained during LPN Schooling be used to apply towards the RN degree. Each potential student must discuss and provide documentation of prior training. The determination is at the institutions level based on State requirements.

Experience in the selected field of study is always a plus. There is something about experience that will always pan out above knowledge acquired in a classroom. Any hiring authority will always ask if you have experience in the field of study. An LPN with 10 years of experience who has kept up her licenses and pursued continuing educational credits has value that any hospital and or doctor will find priceless. When seeking a position as an RN after acquiring all educational requirements, make sure to always lead in with the experience gained. The value you will bring to a job will be recognized immediately.

Nursing Salary & Compensation

Most LPN’s make somewhere in the range of $15 to $20 an hour. While an RN can demand just about upwards towards $35 an hour and more depending on experience. The potential to earn more is based on the institution where you accept employment. Most private practices pay more than hospitals. RN’s and the physician in private practice will generally discuss their salaries based on skills obtained, experience and the physicians practice. Hospitals have a standard salary schedule they generally work with. When working in a hospital, if coming in at the entry level, you are generally placed at the beginning of the pay scale. Check around and find out the salaries being offered before accepting a job.

In final summation, when considering the transition from LPN to RN, the difference in an RN versus an LPN is the amount of education required and continuous education updates, the amount of authority the RN will have in comparison to an LPN, the salary range the RN can expect to earn versus the LPN Nurse and the ability to make decisions. An LPN will never be able to make decisions without the approval of an RN or doctor. Some LPN’s feel the respect garnered in their position is somewhat null and void. This causes some individuals problems. However, the responsibility is considered far less with not nearly the amount of stress.

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