LPN to RN bridge programs open the door to better pay, and more challenges, by giving LPNs the opportunity to get their nursing degrees. Degrees give LPNs more salary potential, more job opportunities, and more responsibilities. LPNs will find that most bridge programs utilize online formats, and that they will be required to schedule their own clinicals, to meet experience requirements.
LPNs and RNs perform different tasks, within the clinical environment. LPNs perform most bedside duties and tasks related to basic patient care. While RNs also perform those tasks, they play a greater role in partnering with doctors to provide analysis of a patient’s condition. Differences in duties are usually identified by state laws, but some general tasks that RNs perform, that LPNs cannot, include providing titrate drugs, pushing IVs, and hanging blood and chemo.
One RN duty is to perform an initial assessment when a patient comes into a medical facility. The assessment gives RNs the information they need to make a diagnosis, and develop a plan of care. The LPN then implements the plan of care, performing the responsibilities required of them, according to their state laws.
RNs often function as direct supervisors to LPNs. Before changing a patient’s care plan, in a home health environment or in a hospital, LPNs must obtain RN approval. In summary, although both types of nurses work together cooperatively, RNs possess more medical training, and perform more hard medical duties, than LPNs.
RN coursework takes much longer to complete than LPN coursework. An RN program, for instance, often requires two to three years more coursework than a basic LPN program. RNs will earn either a bachelor of science degree or an associate’s degree in nursing, after completing their program of study. RN programs require students to have graduated from high school, or to have passed the GED. Some universities and colleges also require nursing candidates to take the National League for Nursing Exam, before accepting them into the program.
While working on their nursing degrees, many potential RNs are employed as LPNs. Many students take the NCLEX-PN, while still enrolled in college, to gain experience while completing degree requirements. RN programs typically require a more traditional schedule and format, while LPN programs tend to offer weekend, part-time, and evening courses. However, many RN courses are now offered on more flexible schedules, to accommodate working professionals.
Most RNs work in a physician’s office, while most LPNs work in a nursing home. Both LPNs and RNs are often hired by employment services, hospitals, and home health services. Medical facilities hire both types of nurses, recognizing that each plays a critical role in providing patient care.
For new challenges, and better pay, LPNs should consider enrolling in LPN to RN bridge programs. At the end of most bridge plans, LPNs will have an associate’s degree, and may want to continue on to earn their bachelor’s degree. According to what works best with their schedules, nurses may complete courses online, in the traditional classroom, or in some combination of each.