LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Delaware
If you want to establish yourself in a new field, there is little that is more valuable than your experience. That is why, as a licensed practical nurse, you could really take your career to the next level by completing your registered nursing degree. The state of Delaware is home to hundreds of hospitals and clinics that rely on registered nurses to provide independent, evidence-based care to patients.
Many of Delaware’s health care organizations are expanding and adding branches. Quite a few of these places rely on registered nurses to run smoothly. Even if you love where you are currently working, becoming a registered nurse may allow you to take on more responsibility and play a greater role in patient care. Contact the schools below to learn more about the opportunities at LPN to RN programs Delaware.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in Delaware?
As is the case in many other states, Delaware’s health care industry is changing. Due in part to the Affordable Care Act, Delaware legislators and health care executives aim to improve care standards for Medicare recipients. For many places, this involves hiring more registered nurses and freeing up doctors’ time for more complicated procedures.
There is also a considerable difference in salaries for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Licensed practical nurses earn an average salary of $47,300 per year, while the average salary for a registered nurse is $69,900 per year (O*Net, 2014).
Curriculum of LPN to ADN and BSN Programs in Delaware
Before you can begin working with the patients of Delaware as a registered nurse, you must take your education to the next level with an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. The amount of time that this takes depends on how many credits you completed as an LPN student. On average, it takes about one year to earn an Associate’s degree or three years to earn a Bachelor’s degree.
LPN to RN programs in DE address a variety of learning goals and outcomes. By working your way through the required curriculum and finishing your clinical hours, you should expand your base of practical nursing skills, know how to take a leadership role in a health care setting, and feel comfortable working in a variety of nursing specialties.
You may feel confident about meeting these goals as you look through the curriculum of your chosen program. Some of the general nursing courses you have to take early in your degree include Principles of Pharmacology, Health Assessment of Patients, and Second Level Nursing. These courses, as well as your general education courses, prepare you for high-level nursing classes. Courses that fall into this category include Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Maternal/Newborn Nursing, Dimensions of Professional Nursing, and Medical-Surgical Nursing. Many of these classes have clinical requirements, so you can plan on spending some of your time in local hospitals and clinics.
Advancing your education is a big goal, but you may be able to get financial support from a variety of sources in Delaware. The Delaware Nursing Incentive Program is funded by the state government and provides loan forgiveness options to students who stay in Delaware after graduation.
Whether you simply want to explore new specialty or expand your scope of practice, becoming a registered nurse may help you meet your goals. Take the next step now by contacting LPN to RN programs in Delaware.
