From LPN to BSN: Understanding Nursing Levels & Career Growth
It’s important to know the differences between LPN, RN, and BSN jobs if you want to become a nurse or plan your next move in the field. At each level, there are different duties, educational requirements, salary potential, and chances to move up in the field. We’ll talk about what each job entails and help you choose the nursing path that might fit your needs best.
👦▏ What does an LPN do?
Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN, is what this job title means. In some places, like California and Texas, it’s also known as Licensed Vocational Nurse. This designation is often the first step toward becoming a nurse.
🩺 An LPN’s job is to give basic patient care like bathing, dressing, and eating.
Keeping an eye on vital signs
Giving medications (depending on the rules in your state)
Getting RNs and doctors medical treatments done
Reporting on the health of patients
Needs to Have Education:
Time frame: 12 to 18 months
When: At trade schools or community colleges
Earned Credential: A diploma or certificate
Need to pass the NCLEX-PN test to get trained.
The average salary is between $48,000 and $55,000 a year, but it depends on the state and the level of experience.
🤑 What does an RN do?
A registered nurse is what RN stands for. The care that RNs give is better, and they often oversee LPNs. They have received training to make crucial medical decisions and perform more challenging medical tasks.
🩺 An RN’s job is to give out medicines and treatments.
Making and directing care plans for patients
Teaching patients and their families
Using hospital tools
Working together with doctors and health care teams
Needs to have a certain level of education:
It takes two years to earn an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN).
It takes four years to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Need to do well on the NCLEX-RN test
Average Pay: $65,000 to $90,000 or more a year, based on location, experience, and amount of education
🎢 What does a BSN mean?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, is what it sounds like. A BSN is not a job title like LPN or RN. Instead, it is a degree that makes you more marketable and opens up more advanced roles.
Why Should You Get a BSN?
Required for a lot of administrative, leadership, and specialty jobs
Many hospitals (especially Magnet hospitals) like it.
Better chances to move up in your job and make more money
Gets you ready for graduate school (MSN, NP, etc.)
• Ways to get a BSN: • The traditional way is to go to high school and complete a 4-year program.
Bridge programs from LPN to BSN: For LPNs who want to move up
Programs that help RNs who already have an ADN get their BSN
The average salary for someone with a BSN is usually $75,000 to $100,000 a year.
Nurses with a BSN degree are more likely to be managers and have higher-paying jobs.
📈 From LPN to RN to BSN: A Way to Advance Your Career
Many nurses start out as LPNs and work their way up as they learn more, gain experience, and feel more confident.
A step-by-step guide to a career:
Begin by becoming an LPN: Gain skills while making money.
From LPN to RN: through a school that takes about one to two years.
Get your BSN by taking an RN-to-BSN program, either online or in person.
Advantages of Moving Up from LPN to BSN
More opportunities to make money
As you get more knowledge, you can make more money. An LPN can make up to twice as much as a BSN nurse.
Safety in the job
Clinics and hospitals usually want to hire nurses with a BSN. More schooling means more job opportunities.
More specialization and freedom in your career
Do you want to work as a flight nurse, in the intensive care unit, or with pregnant women? These jobs often require or prefer people with a BSN.
Opportunities for leadership and management
If you want to be a leader, getting a BSN is the first step toward becoming a charge nurse, nurse manager, or even nurse instructor.
Problems nurses face when they have to change how they manage their time Between School and Work
It’s difficult to do both full-time work and school. Many bridge programs cater to nurses who are already in the workforce.
The spending of money on education
The cost of tuition can add up, but many companies pay for or reimburse it.
Getting Used to More Advanced Clinical Roles
There are more things to learn when going from an LPN to a BSN, especially when it comes to leadership and critical thinking.
How to Make the Change from LPN to BSN Easy
Pick the Right Program for the Bridge
Choose a school that works with your schedule, the way you learn, and the type of accreditation you need.
Make the most of online options.
You can be flexible with online BSN classes. You can study at your pace and do many of them while you work.
Ask for help from mentors and employers.
I would suggest discussing with your boss the possibility of receiving support for school or adjusting your work hours. Find someone who has been where you want to go before you.
Finally, which path is best for you?
Which LPN, RN, or BSN to choose relies on your goals, time frame, and available funds. LPN is a good place to start if you’re new and want to get into the field fast. But if you want a stable job, more money, and a chance to lead, getting your BSN is the best thing you can do for your future.
- What is the typical duration for transitioning from LPN to BSN?
It can take anywhere from two to three years, based on the bridge program and your schedule. - Is getting a BSN after being an LPN worth it?
Of course. You’ll get better skills, more job prospects, and more money. Third, can I work as an RN while I get my BSN?
Yes! A lot of RNs work with an ADN while they get their BSN online. - What do I need to do before I can start a BSN program?
For bridge programs, most programs need you to have a high school diploma or an ADN, as well as certain science classes and a current LPN or RN license. - How much more do BSN nurses make than LPNs?
Yes. Usually, nurses with a BSN make $25,000 to $40,000 more a year than LPNs.