LPN to RN bridge programs expand opportunities in nursing, by allowing LPNs to earn a nursing degree. With a degree, LPNs will have more responsibilities, more salary potential, and more job opportunities. Most bridge plans offer online coursework, with the expectation that LPNs will set up their own clinicals and practical experience. LPN To RN Bridge Programs.
Within hospitals, LPNs and RNs have different duties. The LPN sticks mostly to bedside duties, and focuses on required patient care tasks. While RNs also complete tasks, they also work in partnership with the doctor to analyze and understand the patient’s condition. LPN To RN Bridge Programs. State laws lay out specific differences in duties, but some duties that RNs complete, over and above the scope of LPN duties, include hanging chemo and blood, providing titrate drugs, and pushing IVs.
When the patient enters a care facility, RNs perform an initial assessment. After the assessment, RNs diagnose the patient, and develop the patient’s care plan. Then, the LPN’s duty is to implement the plan of care, performing their licensed responsibilities, according to the state in which they practice.
LPNs may be under the direct supervision of RNs. In the hospital, or in the home health sphere, LPNs often have to ask permission of RNs, before making any alterations to a patient’s plan of care. LPN To RN Bridge Programs. Both types of nurses work cooperatively together, although registered nurses have more medical training, and more duties of a medical nature, than licensed practical nurses.
RNs complete more education than LPNs. LPNs usually complete their training within a year, while RNs complete two to three years of additional coursework, beyond LPN requirements. LPN To RN Bridge Programs. At the end of an RN program, RNs have either an associate’s degree, or a bachelor of science degree, in nursing. Before enrolling in any RN program, students must complete high school, or complete a GED. Before some colleges or universities will accept students into an RN program, they require students to sit for the National League for Nursing Exam.
Many aspiring RNs work as LPNs, while completing their nursing degrees. Many colleges now allow students to sit for the NCLEX-PN, and to work as LPNs, so that they may gain experience while completing their degrees. Often, LPN programs offer more night, weekend, and part-time offerings, while RN programs stick to a more traditional format and schedule. However, to meet the needs of busy professional who are earning their degrees, universities and colleges are adapting to flexible schedules.
Nursing homes are the top employers of LPNs, while physician’s offices are the top employers of RNs. LPN To RN Bridge Programs. Other employers who hire both LPNs and RNs include home health services, employment services, and hospitals. Because each type of nurse plays an important role in taking care of patients, most medical facilities hire both LPNs and RNs.
LPN to RN bridge programs may provide LPNs with the chance to earn better pay, and to take on new challenges. Most bridge plans lead LPNs to the associate’s degree, although some will allow continuation to the bachelor’s degree. Nurses may complete courses traditionally, online, or in a number of variations, which are adapted to the schedules of busy professionals. LPN To RN Bridge Programs.