LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Nevada
The same factors that make nursing an exciting field to work in are the factors that can make it a very challenging career path. The Affordable Care Act has substantially increased the amount of patients in Nevada, many of whom have not had medical care for years. To address these needs and still keep costs reasonable, many hospitals and clinics are on the lookout for registered nurses to provide more patient services. If you are an LPN and you would like to expand your career options, keep reading to find out more about LPN to RN programs in Nevada.
Despite the fact that nursing is becoming an increasingly popular career choice in Nevada, particularly for men, many health centers are still lacking the nurses they need to run optimally. Since you already have quite a bit of nursing education on your belt, you may be a great fit for this degree.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in Nevada?
There are many reasons that you may consider furthering your education with a registered nursing degree. A recent study indicates that Nevada rates extremely well in number of job prospects but very poorly in terms of number of nurses. Finishing your degree helps you take advantage of these job prospects while doing your part to combat the nurse shortage in Nevada.
In addition, it is a well-known fact that furthering your education can often boost your earning potential at the same time. According to O*Net, the average salary for a Nevada licensed practical nurse is $52,400. However, registered nurses in this state earn an average of $79,300 per year (O*Net, 2014).
Curriculum of LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN Bridge Programs in NV
While getting your LPN diploma and gaining work experience in your field, you were also creating a solid base of knowledge for a future registered nursing degree. This allows you to simply complete a bridge nursing program, rather than start over. For most students, it only takes about one year to complete an Associate’s degree or three years complete a Bachelor’s degree. You may want to look at what local employers need and decide accordingly.
As you work toward becoming a registered nurse, you have to take undergraduate coursework in many different subjects. Some of the science courses you may enroll in include Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Human Nutrition. Courses that are specific to the nursing program include Complex Nursing Care, Family Nursing, Health Promotion, Medical/Surgical Nursing, and Pediatric Nursing.
In addition to your classroom hours, you’ll need to meet the clinical expectations of your program before you graduate. In most programs, this involves at least 300 hours of clinical work. You should get experience in different specialties and hospital wings.
One of the benefits of going back to school after getting some experience is the fact that you now have some professional connections you can draw on. If you are a member of local nursing groups, you may want to look into the financial aid opportunities they offer. The Nevada Organization of Nurse Leaders is a good place to start.
This may be the perfect time for you to take the next step in your education. Find out what your options are by reaching out to LPN to RN programs in Nevada.
