LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Idaho
No matter how much time you’ve spent working as a licensed practical nurse in Idaho, you have likely thought about the benefits that can come with expanding your education and earning your registered nursing license. With RN licensure, you may be able to work more independently, take positions in different specialties, and pursue a leadership role in health care.
Idaho’s need for skilled nurses who are able to work efficiently and independently is growing. In fact, the state government is awarding millions of dollars in grants to increase the amount of nurses who are available to help the expanding refugee population in Idaho.
If you are ready to find out more about what you can do with this type of education, reach out to LPN to RN programs Idaho.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in Idaho?
Registered nursing can be a very personally rewarding career. Knowing that you can improve health care standards for your patients and deliver them the care they need is very fulfilling. However, you can also find that being an RN can improve the field of healthcare in general. In many parts of Idaho the shortage of RNs is still extremely high. Earning your degree may give you the chance to choose from a number of different geographic locations and work settings in Idaho.
This degree can also help you benefit from the excellent job outlook in Idaho, as O*Net expects RN jobs to increase by 26% through 2022. On average, registered nurses in Idaho earn more than $20,000 more per year than licensed practical nurses (O*Net, 2014).
Curriculum of LPN to BSN and ADN Programs in Idaho
First, you have to decide whether you want to complete an Associate’s degree in nursing or a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. While an Associate’s degree typically requires one year of additional schooling, a Bachelor’s degree requires an average of three years. However, a Bachelor’s degree may allow you to work in different specialties and settings that an Associate’s degree may not prepare you for.
You may find that many of the courses are the same between both degree programs. While transitioning from LPN to RN, Idaho schools require you to complete many general education courses to round out your knowledge base. In addition, you take several nursing courses that build on your existing experience and knowledge.
Commonly required classes include Nursing Care of Adults, Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Leadership, Professional Nursing Synthesis, and Theoretical Basis for Nursing Practice.
In your classes, you may build your hands-on nursing skills, but theoretical knowledge is also crucial. By the time you graduate, you should be familiar with nursing research, statistics, community health goals, and the role played by nurses in different health care settings.
Taking advantage of different financial aid programs can decrease the amount you have to pay out of pocket for your education. The Idaho Community Foundation is one of the largest financial aid organizations in the state, and several of their grants are nursing-specific.
You can use your experience to create a better future for Idaho residents. Reach out to LPN to RN programs in Idaho today for more information.