5 Reasons to Consider Transitioning From LPN to RN

Nursing is arguably one of the most important professions in the world. It also continues to be one of the most in demand careers, precipitated by an aging baby boomer generation, nurses retiring, increased healthcare needs, longer lifespan, and an inability for nursing schools to keep up with the rising demand. Individuals who pursue a nursing degree have a unique opportunity to help lead the charge to address the impact of the current nursing shortage on patient care.

Nurses at all levels play a key role in providing care to patients in need, from routine to severe. Since nearly every minute of a nurse’s day is spent caring for others, it’s a rewarding and highly challenging profession. 

Nurses take many different paths to get where they are today. One such path is transitioning from a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to a Registered Nurse (RN). 

1. Expand Your Skill Set 

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 skill set. RNs receive more comprehensive training than LPNs, letting them provide a higher level of care to patients. In addition to gaining increased knowledge and skills, you could also specialize in a particular area of nursing, like pediatrics, critical care, or emergency care. 

2. Increase Your Salary

Increasing your education and experience in any industry is the most effective way to increase your earning potential. With the nursing field, there’s a significant difference in pay between LPNs and RNs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for LPNs was $51, 850, in May 2021, whereas RNs made a median salary of $82,750 that same year. That dramatic pay difference is one of the biggest reasons nurses’ transitions from LPN to RN. 

3. Enhance Your Job Opportunities 

In addition to higher earning potential, RNs typically enjoy more opportunities than LPNs. While LPNs work under the direction of RNs, often in long-term care facilities, RNs can fulfill more desirable, fast-paced positions in hospitals, clinics, rehab centers, physicians’ offices, schools, and government agencies. 

4.Greater Job Responsibilities 

Due to higher pay and advanced job opportunities, more is expected of RNs than LPNs. While LPNs perform basic tasks, RNs play a bigger role in the lives of patients, their treatments, and general decisions regarding their healthcare. RNs also provide direct, hands-on care to patients, but they also care for patients in serious condition or whose needs are more complicated than patients seen by an LPN. 

5. Make a Positive Impact on Patient Care 

LPNs play an important role in providing patient care, but becoming an RN will allow you to make an even greater impact on patient care solutions. RNs are responsible for more aspects of patient care than LPNs and often serve as the primary point of contact between patients and their families. RNs have more opportunity than LPNs to make a positive impact on patient care. 

Now is the Perfect Time to Become an RN

Taking steps to become an RN is a big decision, but making the transition from LPN to RN can open the door to multiple opportunities. The effects of the nursing shortage require a proactive response to keep pace with staffing demands and patient needs both in the immediate and foreseeable future. The need for nurses isn’t going to lessen anytime soon, so what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to advance your career. Contact Athena Career Academy to learn more about our LPN to RN Program.