LPN to RN Bridge Programs in South Dakota
In the time you have spent in South Dakota nursing homes, clinics, and hospitals, you’ve likely found the field of practical nursing to be extremely rewarding. It gives you the chance to work with patients of diverse medical needs and makes you an important part of the health care community. South Dakota has a long way to go in meeting federal health care standards, a fact that has led many employers to bring on more registered nurses.
The Native American population of South Dakota has been historically underserved in this state. This is changing with the addition of nursing homes and clinics that specifically serve South Dakota reservations. You can become part of this exciting change by contacting LPN to RN programs in South Dakota.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in South Dakota?
Even if you live in a larger urban part of South Dakota, you’ll likely see the demand for registered nurses grow in coming years. Sioux Falls is one of many communities that is expanding nursing homes and opening new nursing homes to meet the expectations of the aging population. As these facilities open, they’ll likely rely on the services of registered nurses.
An Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in nursing may also give you the chance to earn a more competitive salary. Licensed practical nurses in South Dakota earn an average of $35,000 per year (O*Net, 2014). In comparison, the median salary for a registered nurse is $52,100 per year (O*Net, 2014).
Curriculum of LPN to BSN Programs and LPN to ADN Programs in SD
Though it is a big step to move from licensed practical nurse to registered nurse, the experience you’ve gained as an LPN should make the transition much easier. Spending time as an LPN can give you strong clinical decision-making skills, help you adjust to the fast-paced nature of the health care industry, and strengthen your core set of nursing skills, all of which are beneficial when you go back to school.
Whether you decide to earn an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree, many of the courses you take are the same. Your degree should be divided into general education classes and nursing classes. To meet RN requirements, plan on taking courses like Pathophysiology, Transitions to RN Practice, Leadership in Nursing, Population Health Nursing, Community Nursing, and Foundations of Nursing Practice. As you build on your theoretical knowledge, you will also build on your practical skills by attending clinical rotations and accumulating over 300 clinical hours.
One benefit of working in South Dakota is the strong nursing community it possesses. Through the South Dakota Center for Nursing Workforce and groups like it, you can apply for many different types of financial aid.
Find out how you can reach your full potential as a nurse. Contact LPN to RN programs in South Dakota to take the next step.
