CAREER PATHS
5 Reasons to Transition From an LPN to RN
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EveryNurse Staff
- Last Updated: 04/20/2022
Nursing is, without question, one of the most important and in-demand professions in the world today. Nurses at all levels play a vital role in providing care and compassion to patients in need, whether they are suffering from a minor ailment or a severe condition. Nearly every moment of a nurse’s day is spent caring for others, and it is a career that can be both immensely rewarding and highly challenging.
Nurses can take many different paths to find their niche and begin a successful career within the nursing profession. One such approach is transitioning from a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to a registered nurse (RN). Registered nurses have more autonomy than LPNs and are able to provide a higher level of care to patients. If you are currently an LPN, here are five reasons to consider transitioning from LPN to RN.
Reasons to Transition From LPN to RN
According to nursing job projections released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 2.2 million nurses will enter the workforce between 2014 and 2030. These projections underscore the importance of nurses at all levels and reflect the growing demand for registered nurses across the country.
Advancing within the nursing profession can offer many professional and personal benefits. Like most career transitions, making a move from LPN to RN can be both exciting and challenging. Here are five reasons to consider taking the next step in your nursing career:
1. Expand Your Skillset
As an LPN, you have undoubtedly gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in nursing. However, becoming an RN will allow you to expand your skillset and grow as a professional. Registered nurses receive more comprehensive training than LPNs, allowing them to provide a higher level of care to patients.
In addition to the increased knowledge and skills that come with becoming an RN, you will also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of nursing. This could include working with specific populations of patients, such as pediatrics or geriatrics, or focusing on a specific type of care, such as critical care or emergency nursing.
2. Increase Your Earning Potential
Leveling up your education and experience in any industry is the most direct path to increasing your earning potential. Within the nursing field, there is a significant difference in pay between RNs and LPNs that accompanies the expanded responsibilities of registered nurses.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for LPNs was $51,850, or $24.93 per hour, in May 2021. RNs, on the other hand, had a median yearly salary of $82,750, or $39.78 per hour. That pay increase is one of the most frequently cited reasons nurses transition from LPN to RN.
3. Enjoy Greater Autonomy
As an LPN, you are an essential member of the healthcare team, but you do not have the same level of autonomy as an RN. Making the transition to registered nurse will give you more independence in your work and allow you to exercise greater autonomy when caring for patients.
RNs are responsible for managing their own caseloads and can delegate tasks to LPNs and other healthcare team members. They also have the authority to make some decisions about patient care without consulting with a physician. Their scope of practice is broader than that of an LPN, giving RNs the ability to provide a more comprehensive level of care.
4. Enhance Your Job Opportunities
The work of an LPN is essential to the smooth running of any healthcare facility, but the upward mobility for LPNs is somewhat limited. With significant clinical experience, an LPN can earn promotions to charge nurse or lead LPN positions. Still, they will not be able to advance to management positions without first completing the educational requirements to become a registered nurse.
On the other hand, registered nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skills to take on leadership positions. RNs can pursue career paths that lead to management and executive roles, such as nurse manager or director of nursing. With additional education, they may also choose to teach in nursing programs or pursue careers in research or policy. There are no limits to what you can do within the nursing industry once you become an RN.
5. Make a Positive Impact on Patient Care
As an LPN, you play an important role in providing care to patients, but becoming an RN will allow you to make an even greater impact. RNs are responsible for more aspects of patient care than LPNs and often serve as the primary point of contact for patients and their families. In this role, RNs have the opportunity to make a positive impact on patient care by providing guidance and support throughout the healthcare journey.
Additionally (and perhaps more importantly), the skills you bring to the bedside as an RN can directly impact patient outcomes. Studies have shown that patients who are cared for by RNs have better health outcomes than those who are cared for by LPNs. RNs are also more likely to catch errors and provide timely interventions to prevent complications and save lives.
How to Make the Transition From LPN to RN
LPN to RN programs make it simple for individuals currently working in the field to upgrade their education and skills. LPN to RN programs cater to students already skilled in the basics of nursing by giving them credit for prior LPN education and experience. This approach can significantly accelerate the length of time it takes to complete an RN program, making it possible for working LPNs to earn their RN degree in as little as 15 months of full-time study.
LPN to RN Programs Online
Many colleges and universities offer LPN to RN programs online, which provide greater flexibility for working nurses. Online RN programs give students the ability to complete coursework around their existing work schedules and other commitments.
The online format also makes it possible for students to attend school from anywhere in the country, allowing them to choose a program that best meets their needs. For example, students who live in rural areas may opt for an online LPN to RN program that offers clinical experiences in their local community.
Is Making the Jump From LPN to RN Right for You?
Taking steps to become an RN is a big decision, but it can be rewarding. Making the transition from LPN to RN can open the door to new opportunities, improve your job prospects, and allow you to make a more significant impact on patient care. If you’re ready to take your nursing career to the next level, consider enrolling in an LPN to RN program today.
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