What to Expect: Life After LPN to RN Program

You became an LPN, and then decided to further your career as an RN. Now what? LPN to RN programs exist for a reason. It is a great way to climb the career ladder in nursing. There are tons of positive things you can expect after finishing your schooling to become a Registered Nurse. Earning the RN on your name badge opens you up to a myriad of possibilities.

Specialties

A natural evolution for a nurse who has earned an RN is to focus on specialty areas of practice. There are more than 100 nursing specialties, so at least a couple are sure to interest you. Critical care and emergency nurses are always needed, but so are oncology and NICU nurses.

Most nursing specialties will require additional training, but you can usually do this while you are working as an RN. However, some practice settings and specialties demand even more education including a bachelor or master's degree, or even a doctorate.

Advanced Practice Nurses

Some nurses choose to continue on with their education and become advanced practice nurses. This typically involves much more clinical training and earning a master's or doctoral degree. Popular Advanced Practice Registered Nurse specialties include:

Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a nurse practitioner is, perhaps the most common Advanced Practice Registered Nurse specialty. These nurses provide primary care to patients and can diagnose and treat certain illnesses and conditions, as well as prescribe medications.

Nurse Anesthetist

Certified registered nurse anesthetists work with anesthesia. They may administer anesthesia during surgeries and procedures, or assist with pain medication during childbirth. CRNAs are among the highest paid nursing specialists.

Nurse Midwife

The main focus of certified nurse midwives is reproductive health. These specialists provide obstetric and gynecological care to women of all ages who are not considered high risk. They also work with women during the birthing process and continue with postpartum care.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Clinical nurse specialists are experts in a specialty area of practice. This can range from orthopedic and cardiovascular specialties to certain age groups, like pediatrics or geriatric care. They often work as managers and consultants in hospital or clinic settings due to their expertise.

Polls indicate nursing is one of the most trusted careers in the country. Earning your RN garners even more respect. Athena Career Academy offers an excellent program for those who have their LPN license to pursue a further education to become a Registered Nurse, and it can happen in just one year. Contact Athena today to find out how you can take advantage of our LPN to RN degree program.