It is important to make sure that you will be able to transfer to a nursing job once you graduate.
Make sure you have done your homework. 
A licensed registered nurse, usually in the United States and Canada, is a licensed professional nurse who cares for those who are ill, injured, or handicapped. This nurse will work under the supervision of a physician and the nursing staff. Registered nurses usually have a bachelor’s degree, but many also have a master’s or a PhD. A licensed nurse can specialize as an onsite nurse that works in hospitals, long-term care facilities, health care management companies, home health agencies, schools or other communities. Some RNs even choose to open their own home-based clinics.
Licensed Practical Nursing Courses – Becoming an LPN
Although the tasks and responsibilities of an RN will vary depending on the type of institution where he or she works, some of their basic duties may remain consistent. An onsite RN provides primary care in the area of patient care. He or she may be asked to perform different functions in order to help patients with varying degrees of illness. These could include administering intravenous medication, taking vital signs of patients, helping patients dress and bathe, helping patients move from one room to another, preparing patients for various procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or cricoidating (coughing). During off hours, the RN will also be responsible for maintaining the appropriate levels of patient care and ensuring that vital signs are monitored.
In some instances, the RN may be asked to perform tasks that include assessing vital signs in the rooms of patients who are admitted or discharged. These activities include placing catheters and monitoring the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and respiration. Other duties commonly included in the duties of an RN include administering medication to patients, removing sutures or bandages, changing dressings and changing the bed linens of patients. A licensed practical nurse will also be required to complete an approved RN course in order to obtain their RN license.
The length of this course is usually between two and four weeks; however, it can vary depending on a number of factors. Some LPNs complete their training while working as assistants in clinics or hospitals. Others attend RN programs at community colleges or technical institutes. There are also a number of online courses available for aspiring lpns to complete. An LPN is not required to complete a four-year degree in nursing in order to become an RN.
However, a degree in healthcare administration is highly recommended in order to become a licensed LPN. Many LPNs begin their careers as Registered Nurses (RNs) and work their way up to the more challenging job of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) within a medical facility or hospital. Many RNs and LPNs continue their education by obtaining further degrees or becoming board certified. In order to become a licensed nurse, a candidate must pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
To apply for licensing, a prospective LPN must pass this exam, as well as the subsequent practical nursing licensure exam for states with licensed nurse practices laws. This will ensure that you have done everything in your power to choose a program that will be right for you and your needs. Both are good options, but choosing the best one for your needs should be done with a little research. It is important to make sure that you will be able to transfer to a nursing job once you graduate.
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