| |
Online Nursing Degree Programs—LPN to RN, RN
to BSN, and more.
The biggest stumbling block to moving from your LPN
or LVN to a Registered Nurse is the waiting list. Traditional nursing
programs often have waiting lists of two or three years for individuals
who want to obtain their RN. Some nurses stay in school, taking computer
courses and other programs of minor interest, just to keep from having
to start loan repayments prior to finishing their RN. Now, however, you
can obtain your RN online with no local clinicals required. Of course,
you still have to take the nursing board exams for your state, but you
can complete all of your studies over the internet.
continued below »
 |
| The
University of Phoenix Online offers
a RN
to Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing program and five different
Master's programs in nursing. The BSN program is designed to provide
students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the
nursing field. Coursework includes critical thinking skills, health
care systems, behavioral objectives, and biological, physical, and
social sciences. |
 |
| |
 |
| Walden University
offers a Master's
of Science in Nursing program online. With specializations in
Education and Leadership and Management, the program is available
to RNs with a ADN, BSN, or diploma. The program's curriculum is based
on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Master's
Education and national accreditation standards. |
|
| |
 |
| National
American University offers an online
Bachelor
of Nursing (RN-to-BSN) Degree. In order to become enrolled, every
student must already hold a valid license as a registered nurse and
must have earned either an Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing.
The Associate Degree in Nursing program includes hands-on training.
It can usually be completed in seven quarters at National American
University's Zona Rosa campus. |
|
| |
 |
| University of Delaware provides two innovative Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) online programs—MSN for RNs and a MSN with a concentration in Health Services Administration. The MSN for RNs builds on basic nursing knowledge and the MSN with a concentration in Health Services Administration provides the training needed to function as managers as well as nurses. In the MSN Health Services Administration program, students gain insights into the ethical and legal aspects of health-care management. |
|
Why
is the waiting list so long? It’s because traditional courses are very
hands on, and the classes must be limited in size in order to get everyone
into the labs and to get all the students scheduled for the clinicals
in the local health care facilities. It seems that scores of people want
to become nurses. However, you need not worry that there will be too many
by the time you get there. The nursing course are very rigorous; in an
average class of 50 students, only about 15 will complete all the work
and pass the boards. Furthermore, due to increasing specialization, the
nursing field has faced a shortage of personnel for several years. That
shortage is predicted to get worse.
You, however, can help to fill the gap by completing
your education online. Avoid the lines, the waiting list, the high pressure
atmosphere of the traditional courses, but still obtain a quality degree
and a license that will be just as highly valued as if you had been in
the classroom.
Nursing is not an easy career, but since you already
have either an LPN or an LVN, you know that. It is, however, highly rewarding
with a wide variety of career choices. You could work in a hospital or
a single physician’s office. You could be the nurse for a school district,
the on-site nurse at your local public assistance office, at a children's
camp, or even at a correctional facility. In fact, if you prefer to make
your own hours—adjusted for your own family—you could join the ranks of
home care nurses who deliver care to home bound seniors, to the disabled,
or to people recovering from accidents or severe illnesses. If you are
an exceptionally compassionate person, you may even want to consider becoming
a hospice nurse.
Salary for Nurses
Like any other job, pay for nurses varies largely depending on geographic
location and experience. However, PayScale, Inc. reports the median salary
of about $23.00 per hour for an RN with 1 to 4 years of experience. The
larger cities with several hospitals or clinics, and thus a greater likelihood
of nursing shortages will pay more than a small town with one hospital
and a handful of provider offices. Additionally, don't overlook the opportunities
in nursing homes. Although the elderly are often cared for primarily by
CNNs and LPNs, every nursing home must have several RNs on staff. The
work is usually more routine than it would be in a hospital, and most
nursing homes do not operate on a swing shift, as many hospitals do. Thus,
if you are trying to raise a family along with maintaining a career, you
may find a nursing home to be a less stressful option. An RN with 1 to
4 years experience can count on earning about $19.00 per hour in a nursing
home.
« back to top
Copyright
© 1998 -
- Adultlearn.com, All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
