LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Hawaii
Whether you work at a nursing home, clinic, or hospital, you have likely become very familiar with changes in health care that are affecting Hawaii and the country as a whole. In fact, you may have been directly impacted by these changes yourself. However, these changes may actually give you the opportunity you need to advance your career, expand your scope of practice, and reach a greater number of patients as a registered nurse.
Nurses are expected to become an even more crucial part of Hawaii’s health care system in coming years, as public hospital cuts affect health care budgets. Your role as a registered nurse may make you an indispensable part of a Hawaii medical team.
Find out what it takes to go from being an LPN to RN; Hawaii schools and programs are listed below.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in Hawaii?
Becoming a registered nurse can be an excellent way to secure your job outlook, become a more essential part of a health care team, and expand the number of job openings and settings that are a good fit for you. A recent report indicated that Hawaii is at the front of the list when it comes to states that provide progressive nursing environments.
Finishing your degree can help you meet Hawaii’s growing need for registered nurses, which is expected to swell 17% between 2012 and 2022 (O*Net, 2012). While the average salary for a Hawaii LPN is $45,900 per year, registered nurses claim a median income that is nearly two times higher (O*Net, 2014).
Curriculum of LPN to BSN and ADN Programs in Hawaii
You should plan on spending between one and three years in school to become a registered nurse. The amount of time you spend in school varies, depending on whether you want to earn an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.
Regardless of which degree path you choose, your curriculum should be made up of advanced nursing courses and general education classes. Some of the nursing courses you may take include Health Promotion and Care Education, Family Nursing, Complex Nursing, and Care Management & Leadership.
Your time as a student may be split between the classroom and a variety of clinical settings. Clinical practice is often considered the backbone of this program, as it teaches you how to start thinking like a registered nurse and take on the additional responsibilities that come with this role.
Your clinical work may expand into different wings of a hospital or clinic, as LPNs are often limited to working in certain departments. You may get nursing experience in surgical nursing, psychological nursing, and pediatric nursing, to name a few specialties.
Staying involved with your local nursing community can help you qualify for different financial aid opportunities and learn about lesser-known options. If you live in Maui County, you may be able to apply for funds through the Maui Nurses Scholarship Foundation.
Use Hawaii’s changing health care industry to create a new start for yourself. Find the right school for you by checking out our list of LPN to RN programs in Hawaii.