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.
- 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!
