Getting your BSN can open the door to a whole range of exciting and rewarding nursing specialties. If you look at job postings, you can find that today earning a BSN degree is emerging as one of the basic requirements for many positions in nursing professions. It is the entry point for professional nursing practice. In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that the BSN degree provides the opportunity to receive specialized career training. Today where the medical profession is defined as a complex and ever-changing field and with technology playing a greater role in health care, having specialized training through BSN program has grown tremendously.

Apart from this, a bachelor’s degree in nursing can also prepare you for a career in nursing administration and management. There are a variety of business and legal skills necessary for running a nursing division, and combining these skills with your hands-on nursing experience might make you the ideal supervisor or administrator. However, besides enhancing your opportunity for promotion, holding a BSN degree also offer other benefits even while you continue to work as a registered nurse. Depending upon your employer’s policies, you might be eligible for tuition assistance to help pay for your degree. Adding to this, having a degree can also help you to move into another state, which might have different licensing requirements for registered nurses.

Now while there are different pathways of earning a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, but an RN to BSN program is becoming more common for registered nurses. This program provides credit for nursing skills already learned through school or work experience. The key benefit of selecting this program is it even prepares graduate for population-based cases and the managed care environment. Once the graduates complete RN to Bachelor of Science Nursing program, they will be able to:

• Review health and incorporate methods of health promotion and health education in nursing care of individuals, families or groups.
• Directly manage competent care for individuals, families, and groups who have simple to complex healthcare needs.
• Function as a change-agent to promote health and professional nursing practice
• Demonstrate professional and ethical accountability and responsibility

Today this program is easily accessible in an online format with a very flexible schedule designed to meet the needs of the working nurses. However, before you decide to select an online RN to BSN program, ask for an outline of the curriculum and timeline for graduation. Always ensure whether the university or school and has a well defined or extensive online library.

No doubt, getting a BSN degree can make easy for you to advance your career in the nursing field. You must make sure to select a proper RN to BSN program from the best university so that your degree can get enough attention during the job application process.

LVN stands for Licensed Vocational Nurse whereas RN stands for Registered Nurse. Any LVN when asked will tell you of their dream to move into the role of RN. This makes sense since it is logical career progression for LVNs for several reasons – better pay, higher level of training and education and additional responsibilities.

RNs usually posses higher level of education, knowledge and training in discharging duties. Moreover, they supervise teams of LVNs in administering patient care. They also draw higher salaries. Importantly, they have significant standing in the job market.

Moving from LVN to RN is much easier and practical as compared to doing a full fledged BSN program. Primarily, LVNs need to meet 3 criteria to become RNs viz., acquire a Bachelor’s degree, take license exam and pass successfully and secure experience required for that role. Since LVNs are already in nursing field, bridge programs exist for them to make transition smoother, shorter and effective. These are achieved through 2 programs viz., Associate of Science [A.S] in Nursing degree and Bachelor of Science in Nursing [B.S.N] degree.

The courses cover algebra, microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, psychology, computers and statistics. Additionally, nursing courses in theory and clinical practice are also included to meet degree and licensing requirements. Post completion of LVN to RN programs, certification exams at national level can be taken and passed to get licensed as RNs.

Career outlook for Registered Nurses is quite bright with the increase in health care and the need for highly qualified professionals. Registered nurses earned 50 percent more than licensed practical nurses based on median national incomes as of 2006.

University of Phoenix and Lincoln Technical Institute are top notch academic institutions. Kaplan University and Everest Institute provide “best in class” education. South University is second to none and focuses on positive students’ experience.

If you are a Licensed Practical Nurse [LPN] and are interested in a career progression, then the next logical choice is to transition in to Registered Nurse [RN]. Roles of RN offer increased responsibility and additional duties relating to patient care; supervision of teams of LPNs, orderlies, medical assistants and nursing assistants; and increase in remuneration.

There are 3 requirements that need to be complied to become a Registered Nurse viz., a degree, license and experience. Two types of LPN to RN programs are Associate of Science [A.S] in Nursing degree and Bachelor of Science in Nursing [B.S.N] degree. The duration of the programs varies with an A.S taking around 1-2 years and B.S.N spanning around 3-4 years depending on school. These are transition programs for LPNs to bridge gap of curriculum between an LPN and RN. As a result, LPN experience is a must.

Course content of these programs revolves around algebra, microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, psychology, computers and statistics which meet general education requirements. Additionally, nursing courses in theory and clinical practice are also designed to meet degree and licensing requirements. After completing applicable LPN to RN programs, individuals can take the certification exam at the national level. On passing the exam, they can be licensed as Registered Nurses and practice accordingly.

Career outlook for Registered Nurses is quite bright with the increase in health care and the need for highly qualified professionals. Registered nurses earned 50 percent more than licensed practical nurses based on median national incomes as of 2006.

University of Phoenix and Lincoln Technical Institute provide “best in class” education backed by strong academic credentials. Kaplan University and Everest Institute are equally reputed and provide flexible programs that are customized to fit students’ schedules. South University completes the list with programs that focus on positive students’ experience.

Nursing is one of the most dignified and honorable professions in the world. It involves high levels of trust, responsibility, management of pressure situations and excellent coordination.

Several programs like the 2 year Associate in Applied Sciences [AAS] in Nursing prepare students in entering the nursing field. The course content includes nursing care, microbiology, anatomy, psychology, physiology, medical/surgical nursing and medical terminology. Course outcomes can result in students developing skills like critical thinking, communication, team work, intervention skills, medication calculation skills, patient evaluation and diagnosis, interpersonal and patient interaction skills and ability to record vital signs of patients. On course completion, students can appear for licensure exams for Licensed Practical Nurse [LPN] or Registered Practical Nurse [RN]. Programs are also available for directly taking the Registered Practical Nurse exam of licensure. LPNs can opt for online programs to pave the way for an RN.

On graduating from these nursing programs, job opportunities open up. Though LPN positions are projected as diminishing by Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], yet there are many others available in the healthcare industry. Moreover, jobs in health care industry are estimated to increase by 27% through 2014 by BLS owing to the aging population. From a salary perspective, an LPN makes a median annual income of $35,000. As per BLS, the median annual salary earnings of RNs was $57,280 in 2006. This can vary based on location, experience and employer.

There is no dearth of institutions offering programs like AAS and RN. The University of Phoenix takes the lead with its highly accessible learning facilities. It is followed by Lincoln Technical Institute which offers hands-on training programs for in-demand career fields. Kaplan University bases its philosophy in unique and distinctive learning. In contrast, Everest Institute offers programs that fit your life. South University also offers flexible learning basing itself on student experiences.

If you are working towards getting your qualifications in the field of Nursing, then you may want to consider working towards getting a Registered Nurse (RN) certification. This certification will definitely increase your chances of improving your career and for helping you to get a good salary.

Registered Nurses are often general duty nurses who focus on providing the overall care for their patients. They usually administer medicines under the supervision of doctors. They also keep records of the medicines administered, the symptoms of the patient and of the progress made by the patient. Registered Nurses are also involved in promoting good health and preventing illness. Apart from treating patients, they are involved in educating the public about the different illnesses and how to prevent these illnesses. They also help rehabilitate patients, and provide advice and emotional support to the family members of the patient.

Depending on numerous factors, RNs can also specialize across a number of areas within their occupation. Registered Nurses can specialize in a a particular type of work setting treatment (like psychiatric nurses who work in psychiatric hospitals, and intensive care nurses who work in intensive care units). Registered Nurses can also specialize in the care and treatment of a specific disease (like cancer care nurses specialize in the care of cancer patients). As a Registered Nurse, you can also specialize in the care of a particular body part or system (like respiratory nurses care for asthma patients). You can also specialize in the care of a particular group of patients (like school nurses care for children and adolescents in schools). Registered Nurses can also combine their specialization subjects (for example, nurses who care for the elderly patients who suffer from cardiac disease, or nurses who care for children who suffer from cancer).

In order to work as a Registered Nurse, you will have to start with a 2 year Associates Degree in Nursing, or go for a three year Diploma course. You can also make a right start in the field of nursing by getting a Bachelors Degree in Nursing which usually takes about 4 – 5 years to complete. After qualifying from these exams, you will have to appear for a national certification exam which is administered by each state. This will give you a Registered Nurse certification.

Your salary range as a Registered Nurse will largely depend upon your education, your experience and your area of specialization. Typically, the average annual salary for a Registered Nurse is approximately $52,000. However, this can increase depending on the above mentioned factors.

Thus as a Registered Nurse, you can open up many vistas for your career, while earning a high salary range.

RNs make up the largest portion of jobs in healthcare. About sixty percent of the over two and a half million jobs are in a hospital setting. Others work in skilled nursing facilities usually with a role of manager or supervisor, in home health care, or doctors’ offices. There are other job opportunities for Registered Nurses such as occupational health, addition recovery services, hospice care, and holistic medicine.

RN Specialization

Working in a hospital gives a RN the chance to specialize in a particular field of medicine just as a doctor would. These opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• Emergency or trauma, transplant
• Rehabilitation, radiology
• Psychiatric-mental health
• Perianesthesia
• Critical care
• Ambulatory care

Focusing in the care of a specific disease, genetic disorder, or illness is an option for an RN:

• HIV/AIDS and cancer
• Disabled populations, such as physical, mental, or emotional
• Wound nurses treat patients with openings due to traumatic injury, bedsores, diabetes, amputations, etc.

RNs also specialize in specific physiological areas and the diseases and illnesses associated with them.:

• Urology
• Cardiovascular
• Dermatology
• Gastroenterology
• Gynecology
• Nephrology
• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmic
• Orthopedic
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Respiratory

Another form of specialization a nurse might find interesting is by age population:

• Neonatology – newborns
• Pediatrics – children and adolescents.
• Gerontology and geriatrics – adults and the elderly.

RN Settings

RNs who specialize may work in hospitals, rehabs, and/or doctors offices. Some registered nurses who chose not to work in typical healthcare settings work in places such as correctional facilities, camps, military, resorts, ships, and schools.

RN Education

RNs have three different paths to acquire licensure:

• BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) offered by four-year colleges
• ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)
• Diploma from an approved nursing program

Most nurses obtain their RN from either the Associate or Bachelor Degree programs. The ADN takes two to three years to complete. A BSN usually takes four to five years to complete. There are accelerated programs (12 – 18 months) for those who have a bachelor’s degree in another field.

After completing the education from one of the thousands of nursing schools worldwide and clinical training requirements, students must pass a national licensing examination known as the NCLEX-RN. Additional training is often needed if a specialized nursing career is to be pursued.

RN Salaries

RN salaries usually ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, work environment, and specializations. Nurses who acquire a managerial position may have the opportunity earn a higher salary similar to the salary of nurses with years of experience.

RN Job Outlook

Job outlook for RNs is excellent overall. Location and environment determines the amount of employment opportunities a nurse may have. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics has determined that employment opportunities for RNs are anticipated to be the fastest growing occupation in the next ten years, including more than a half million jobs. These statistics do not account for the hundreds of thousands of jobs that will become available by those nurses retiring from their careers.