LPN to RN bridge programs provide LPNs with the chance to earn their nursing degrees. With the nursing degree comes more job opportunities, more responsibilities, and more salary potential. Many bridge plans offer coursework online, while requiring LPNs to set up practical experience and clinicals on their own.
LPNs and RNs have different duties within the hospital environment. LPNs perform more bedside duties, and tend to be more focused on tasks. RNs also complete tasks, but also focus on understanding and analyzing the patient’s condition, in partnership with doctors. Most differences in duties are spelled out in state laws, but some things that RNs can do, that LPNs are not allowed to do, include pushing IVs, hanging blood and chemo, and dosing patients with titrate drugs.
RNs perform the initial assessment of the patient’s condition. When performing the assessment, RNs make a diagnosis of the patient, and develop a plan of care. LPNs, then, are primarily responsible for implementing the care plan, performing tasks in conjunction with their licensed responsibilities, in the state in which they work.
RNs may directly supervise LPNs. Within the hospital environment, or within a home health care environment, LPNs often have to get permission from an RN to make changes to a patient’s care plan. While the two types of nurses work cooperatively, a registered nurse has more medical training, and more medically-centered duties, than a licensed practical nurse.
A registered nurse has completed more education than a licensed practical nurse. While LPN training may be completed within a year, RNs go through an additional two to three years of training, beyond the LPN coursework. Most RNs have an actual degree, which will be either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Before enrolling to become a registered nurse, students must graduate from high school, or take the GED. Some programs also require students to pass the National League for Nursing Exam, before granting acceptance.
During the process of getting a nursing degree, many students work as LPNs. Some colleges allow students to take the NCLEX-PN, and students who pass the exam may work as LPNs, to gain experience while finishing their nursing degrees. LPN programs tend to have more part-time, night, and weekend offerings, while RN programs often have more traditional schedules. However, many colleges and universities are becoming more flexible, to meet the needs of professionals earning second degrees.
RNs are most often employed by physician’s offices, while LPNs are most often employed by nursing homes. Other employers may include hospitals, home health services, and employment services. Most medical facilities employ both LPNs and RNs, because each plays a vital role in patient care.
For LPNs looking for a greater challenge, or looking for better pay, LPN to RN bridge programs may provide the solution. At the end of most bridge programs, students will earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Courses are offered in traditional formats, or in virtual formats, with many variations designed to meet the needs of today’s busy students.