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Friday, October 26, 2012

RN Bridge FAQ – The Answers to RN Bridge Questions on Your Mind



Female nurse doctor
If you’re seriously considering going into a Nursing Program to bridge from LPN to RN, LVN to RN, Paramedic to RN, or RT to RN, you’ve probably had a lot of questions on your mind. Rue Education is here to help with an RN bridge Q&A. Topics covered include expected working hours, difficulty of the job, and RN salary. Becoming a registered nurse can be one of the most rewarding career choices, however, like any job, it’s important to research the various job aspects to see if you will be a good match.


  • Is being an RN a difficult job?

This is subjective, as it depends largely on the individual, but it’s safe to say any new RN will have an initial learning stage where processes and routines will be new and will feel difficult. Besides being competent as a bedside nurse, RNs manage the overall patient care planning where they direct others to carry out the bedside care that is needed. As a new RN gains more experience and gets comfortable, the job will gradually become less stressful and he/she will become more confident and secure. But there is no question that being an RN is a physically demanding job.

The other part of this answer involves what kind of field you choose to work in as an RN. Not all nursing jobs are created equal; for example, a nurse may find that their work in pediatrics is more satisfying than working as a trauma nurse in the ER. To minimize the learning curve and get comfortable in your new nursing shoes focus on the area of nursing that interests you most and plays to your strengths. RNs can find themselves working in cardiac care, emergency room, forensics, geriatrics, holistic, nursing in the military, neuroscience, oncology/cancer, research, in nursing schools, travel nursing, and women’s health to name a few. A lot of similarities will exist across them, but focus on the specialty area you like and your job will feel less like difficult work and more like a paid hobby.


  • What hours do RNs work?

Much like your current shift as an LPN, LVN, or Paramedic, the RN schedule is unpredictable but it’s commonly agreed that most nurses will work 12-hour shifts from morning to evening or evening to morning. Although RNs in an office setting may have a more standard schedule closer to 8am to 5pm.  Depending on where you work you may also be asked to do some overtime.



Nurse Salary
  • Does your nursing salary increase as your experience and nursing education increase?

LPNs, LVNs, RTs, and Paramedics that transition to RN can expect an increase in salary with their new license. This is a big consideration for making the bridge to RN since the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012-2013 Occupational Outlook Handbook notes the increase from LPN to RN averages $24,310.
Rue Education understands the best area for hopeful RNs to focus on is their education.  Knowledgeable RNs are more likely to have more confidence in their work, find work faster, get the jobs they really want, and enjoy more increases in salary. Many hospitals that have achieved Magnet status are eager to hire RNs who are driven to provide quality patient care while taking advantage of educational opportunities to nurture their own professional growth.  

Rue Education has been helping motivated LPN/LVNs, Paramedics, and RTs transition to RN for over 20 years. Nearly 100,000 adult learners have earned credit toward their nursing degrees with Rue. We understand the needs of busy individuals who are ready to advance their nursing education and take their career to their next level. Talk to Rue Education today or click here!