LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Rhode Island
What got you into the field of nursing in the first place? Do you enjoy the fast-paced nature of health care? Is your main passion patient care? The field of nursing is extremely diverse, even in a state like Rhode Island, where the population is relatively small. However, it is clear that the people of Rhode Island deserve the best care possible, which is why the demand for registered nurses is growing throughout the state.
The culture of care is shifting in many parts of Rhode Island, with the state’s new health director deeply invested in making a difference in this industry. Furthering your education has benefits for you, as well as for the nursing industry as a whole. Learn more about LPN to RN programs in Rhode Island and what it takes to become a registered nurse.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in Rhode Island?
If you enjoy working as a licensed practical nurse, you may wonder why you should take time away from your career to go back to school and earn a degree. Doing so may secure your future in the nursing industry. Rhode Island just unrolled a plan to save $90 million in Medicaid funds, a huge change for the state. As a registered nurse, you can take on more tasks and fill more diverse roles, making you an invaluable asset to your employer.
Furthermore, your dedication to the nursing industry may be rewarded with an increase in salary. In Rhode Island, LPNs claim an average income of $53,600 per year (O*Net, 2014). For registered nurses, the average salary is $75,700 per year (O*Net, 2014).
LPN to BSN and LPN to ADN Curriculum in Rhode Island
The benefit of entering a nursing program as a licensed practical nurse is that you have many of the core areas of knowledge that are required in registered nursing. You simply need to build on them until you reach the Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree level. You may also learn how to apply your knowledge and skills to specialized areas of nursing in which LPNs cannot typically work. All in all, this process usually involves one to three years of full-time study.
The curriculum of your program is very dependent on whether you earn an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree. However, you should spend most of your time in nursing courses. Courses that you may be required to take include Pathophysiology, Hospital Microbiology, Nursing of the Childbearing Family, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Medical-Surgical Nursing. As you proceed through different areas and levels of nursing, you may put your knowledge to work in various clinical settings. Make sure to use this time to build your skills and find out how your career will change as a registered nurse.
Once you have been accepted to an LPN to RN program, you can begin applying for financial aid. The Nursing Foundation of Rhode Island is one of the largest organizations in the state, awarding scholarships of $500 to $1000.
Discover what opportunities are waiting for you in your career—reach out to LPN to RN programs today.
