Nursing is one of the most satisfying and highest paying careers today. Therefore, it attracts a large number of candidates, many of whom are highly qualified, passionate and ambitious as you are.

As a practical nurse (PN), you only possess skills in basic nursing. Most institutions require an associate’s degree or diploma for you to become one. To become a registered nurse (RN), you need to put more credit hours in your studies. Many prospective nurses opt to start out as PNs because of the shorter time it takes to study compared to RNs. However, the transition from being a practical nurse to a registered nurse will be worth your while, because of the following reasons:

A More Valuable License

With a registered nurse’s license, you will receive more privileges and allowances than you would with a practical nurse’s license. The stronger license acknowledges that you have received more training and education, which enables you to handle situations that are more complex. It means that you are more equipped in taking a more active role in assisting other professional caregivers.

Greater Autonomy

RNs enjoy more autonomy to work than PNs do; thus, they may work under less stressful conditions. Because of their advanced training, they are capable of handling various medical issues with less supervision. You will be able to make significant decisions and only consult your superiors where necessary. Although more responsibility attracts more liability, you will be able to perform your duties without pressure.

Career Advancement

While being a PN may get you a job, being an RN has even greater prospects. You can go ahead and acquire a Bachelor of Nursing degree within a shorter time. You can then pursue a Master’s degree in Nursing, which will enable you to become an advanced practice nurse—a move that will catapult you to a greater earning potential. From there, getting a doctorate in nursing is only a heartbeat away. Since you will gain more respect in the industry with a doctorate, you will be in a greater position to work in research centers, give lectures or become a consultant. You will be able to practice as well as share your knowledge and passion of what you do best.

Flexibility

Most nursing institutions offer flexible hours that allow PNs to work and study; some even offer their courses online. Not only will you be able to earn and thus pay the fees but also gain experience to apply in your theoretical and practical academic work. Such valuable experience would be hard to come by if you expressly started studying an RN. The smooth transition from PN to RN will also make your understanding of the concepts easier and more enjoyable.

Credit Transfer

Many colleges accept PNs to “test out” of some classes, which award the students credit due to working experience or education. You may also find schools that accept credit transfers from others institutions. This will help to reduce the time and effort it takes to qualify.

Transitioning for a PN to a RN has numerous advantages, as listed. As you look for different ways to enrich and grow your experiences, consider enrolling into a PN to RN program. You gain more skills and knowledge, which help you optimize experiences for patients and create an optimal environment for recovery. You further position yourself to specialize in your area of interest and access better paying jobs. Check out Athena Career Academy to learn more about their programs and how you can obtain the best education while advancing your career.