Planning Your Career in Nursing: LVN/LPN, RN, and Everything In Between
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Are you interested in helping people? What about moving at a fast pace in a health care setting? This is a career that you can start with as much or as little education as you want. Learn more about different levels of nursing, nursing school and how to become a nurse.
Different Nursing Career Paths
Unlike many careers where there is one set path to success, nursing is a career where you can become successful at many different levels. Lower levels of nursing require as few as one year of training. Some people stay as these lower-level nursing roles forever, or you may pursue a higher degree and license later in your career. Here are different levels of entry-level nursing career paths.
LVN/LPN
What is a LPN or LVN? Licensed vocational nurses or licensed practical nurses provide basic medical care under the direction of a registered nurse. The major difference between LVNs and LPNs is where they practice. California and Texas use the title “licensed vocational nurse” while other states use “licensed practical nurse.”
One benefit of a practical or vocational nursing position is that it is a quick way to enter the healthcare field. LPN and LVN are entry-level nursing designations. One can typically become an LPN or LVN through a vocational school or an associate degree program. For example, at Carrington College, students can earn a certificate in Practical Nursing or Vocational Nursing in as little as 12 months and an associate degree in Vocational Nursing in as few as an additional 15 months.
Associate Degree in Nursing
Another career path for nurses is registered nursing, which is the most common level of nursing in America. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) there were 3,172,500 nurses working in the U.S. in 2022.1 RNs can have an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing..17
So what is a RN nurse exactly? Registered nurses typically provide patient care and help coordinate medical needs with other experts like doctors and surgeons. Registered nurses oversee practical and vocational nurses.
The benefit of pursuing an RN credential instead of an LPN or LVN is that you have less supervision and may be able to earn more than the lower counterparts.
Transitioning from LVN to RN
There is always room for improvement in your nursing career path. For example, you may want to get into the workforce fast by becoming an LVN or LPN but later may want to return to your studies and advance to become an RN. Such so-called “nursing bridge” programs, also called an LVN to ADN program or an LVN to RN program, help take licensed practical or vocational nurses and train them to become registered nurses.
Why Become a Nurse?
Nursing is a rewarding profession that allows you to help others and work in a fast-paced and high-impact environment. It is also a fairly secure profession. In 2018, there were more than 4 million jobs in 5 nurse occupations, according to the BLS.3 This includes LPNs and RNs as well as nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners. For lower level nursing, there were 655,000 LPNs and LVNs in 2022.4
Beyond being a stable career, nursing can provide practical benefits such as flexible schedules due to the need for 24-hour health care. Shift work, which is common for nurses,7 means it can be easier to arrange childcare or split childcare duties with a partner.
According to O*NET online, which is a website managed by the U.S. Department of Labor, registered nursing is a good fit for those who possess:8
- Service Orientation, or a desire to help others
- Judgement and decision making skills
- Complex problem solving skills
- Critical thinking abilities
- Time management skills
Best States to Work as a Nurse
Different states around the country have different requirements for nurses at all levels. As mentioned above, in some states like California and Texas, lower-level nurses are called licensed vocational nurses, while in other areas they are licensed practical nurses. Beyond such semantics, there are also differences in the number of jobs available and the wages that are paid in different states. Below are the best states to work as a nurse.
Best States to Work as an LPN/LVN11
States with the highest employment level of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in May 2022:
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs |
|---|---|---|
| California | 73,740 | 4.18 |
| Texas | 62,240 | 4.79 |
| New York | 38,590 | 4.24 |
| Ohio | 37,310 | 6.94 |
| Florida | 36,970 | 4.01 |
Best States to Work as an RN12
States with the highest employment level of registered nurses in May 2022:
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs |
|---|---|---|
| California | 325,620 | 18.46 |
| Texas | 231,060 | 17.78 |
| Florida | 197,630 | 21.46 |
| New York | 190,470 | 20.91 |
| Pennsylvania | 137,970 | 23.74 |
What Do Nurses Do?
Nursing job duties vary depending on the level of nursing you are practicing and the state in which you are licensed. For example, according to the BLS an LVN or LPN may be able to give medication or start intravenous (IV) drips in some states with appropriate training, but that may not be allowed in other states.13
Typical job duties of an LPN or LVN include:13
- Monitor patients’ health—for example, by checking their blood pressure
- Administer basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters
- Provide for the basic comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress
- Discuss the care they are providing with patients and listen to their concerns
- Report patients’ status and concerns to registered nurses and doctors
- Keep records on patients’ health
Registered nurses, on the other hand, have more authority and need less supervision while they work. According to the BLS, most registered nurses work as part of a team with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Some registered nurses oversee licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides.14 Specific job duties will vary by employer and employment setting, for example an RN working in a residential care facility would have different duties than a nurse working in an emergency department.
Some typical job duties of an RN are:14
- Assess patients’ conditions
- Record patients’ medical histories and symptoms
- Observe patients and record the observations
- Administer patients’ medicines and treatments
- Set up plans for patients’ care or contribute information to existing plans
- Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals
- Operate and monitor medical equipment
- Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results
- Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries
- Explain what to do at home after treatment
Where do Nurses Work?
Obviously, nurses primarily work in healthcare settings, but their main employers are more varied than one might assume. For example, the majority of LPNs and LVNs work in nursing care facilities 11, whereas RNs typically work in hospitals.12
According to the BLS, in May 2022 the industries with the highest levels 11 of employment of LVNs and LPNs were:
| Industry | Employment | Percent of industry employment |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 171,030 | 12.73 |
| Home Health Care Services | 83,100 | 5.41 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 80,840 | 1.45 |
| Offices of Physicians | 79,130 | 2.84 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 41,350 | 4.70 |
For registered nurses, common employers look a bit different, with a higher emphasis on working with doctors, but still with plenty of working with those who need skilled nursing care and the elderly.
According to the BLS, in May 2022 the industries with the highest levels of employment for RNs are:12
| Industry | Employment | Percent of industry employment |
|---|---|---|
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,724,510 | 30.85 |
| Offices of Physicians | 208,760 | 7.50 |
| Home Health Care Services | 173,640 | 11.31 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 152,120 | 14.87 |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 124,690 | 9.28 |
How to Become a Nurse
Becoming a nurse typically takes some education, perhaps a certifying exam, and state licensure*. There are different ways to become a nurse depending on which level you would like to become.
How to Become an LPN/LVN
To become an LPN or LVN follow these steps:15
- Attend a school approved by your state’s board of nursing. This means it has approval from the licensing board in your state. In order to be licensed, a nurse must complete a program that is board approved.
- Take and pass the NCLEX-PN. LVNs or LPNs need to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This is a licensing test for practical nurses.
- Apply for licensure* with your state. There will likely be a fee and some paperwork, but requirements vary by state.
How to Become an RN
For those who want to get into the field quickly, you may wonder, how to become an RN fast. RNs can have a wide range of schooling, so there are options when choosing how to become an RN. The following are the steps needed to become an RN, though licensure* requirements vary by state.16
- Complete a nursing program. Like with practical nursing, it is important your nursing education meets state requirements. RNs can have as little as an associate degree in nursing, though many also pursue bachelors in nursing (BSN) programs. There are also RN-to-BSN programs to help you obtain your BSN after you have started working.
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN. Next you will need to take the RN test, similar to the NCLEX-PN. This will test your general nursing knowledge.
- Obtain state licensure*. Similar to LPNs, RNs need to be licensed by the state. Check with your state board of nursing for specific requirements.
What is Nursing School?
Nursing programs prepare prospective nursing professionals for nursing career paths at different levels of practice, including LVN/LPN, RN and higher levels of this profession. Nursing programs can require a commitment of months or years to complete and offer a blend of nursing theory and hands-on, clinical experience to prepare students to enter or advance in their nursing practice.
How Many Clinical Hours for Nursing School?
The number of clinical hours required varies from state-to-state.18 Individual state boards of nursing determine the number of hours including the setting they are completed in.
Can I Go to Nursing School Online?
While some programs may offer some courses online, ultimately it is not possible to entirely complete nursing school online, at any nursing level. All levels of nursing include skill labs where you learn hands-on methods of treatment. These labs cannot be recreated in an online setting.
What to Look for in a Nursing School
Choosing the right school to study nursing at is a big decision. The right training can open doors for better jobs and possibly salary down the line. While many institutions may offer nursing degrees, it’s important that you look for the one that fits your goals and lifestyle.
A few core things to look for when considering nursing programs include:
- Small class sizes. When learning to be a nurse you want individual attention from your instructor.
- Hands-on training. When dealing with tasks like drawing blood and administering care, it’s important that you have time to practice those skills hands-on.
- Externships or career training. Most programs include an opportunity to learn in the real world before you even graduate! You’ll gain an impressive experience that looks great on your resume.
- Cost. Education is a major investment, but it’s an investment in your future. At Carrington College and many other institutions, we participate in many financial assistance programs, both federal and state, as well as private financing. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify. For complete information on current tuition costs, please see the academic catalog. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
What Will I Learn in Carrington College Nursing Programs?
All nursing programs are different, and different levels of nursing will require different classes. Here are some examples of courses you would take at Carrington College’s different nursing programs.
Associate Degree in Nursing
- BIO121 Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab Students in this course study structure and function of the human body. Topics include cells, tissues and integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. Lectures are supported by required lab exercises.
- NUR240 Pediatric Nursing This course incorporates previously learning concepts and theories and principles of nursing judgement in the provision of safe, quality patient centered care for infants, children, and adolescents with increasingly less predictable outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the growth and development of children and the promotion of health and the prevention and management of illness in children. Patient teaching and collaboration among the nurse, health team, patient, and family members is addressed within clinical nursing practice.
- NUR247 Maternal Child Nursing This course explores nursing care for women during the prenatal, postpartum, and neonatal periods. Emphasis is placed on the promotion of women’s health and management of complications during pregnancy, the birth process, and the neonatal period. Clinical experience allows for the application of nursing skills, knowledge, therapeutic communication, collaboration, and critical thinking necessary for the safe, quality care of the obstetrical and neonatal population within a family context.
Practical Nursing
- MATH104 Math for Dosage Calculations This course focuses on development of the math skills necessary to accurately calculate dosages for medication administration
- NUR122 Medication Administration The course focuses on development of the knowledge, skills and attitudes to safely administer medications. Key concepts include therapeutic communication, health teaching, preparation and administration of medication by the topical, oral, nasogastric, intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular routes. Students are introduced to the administration of intravenous fluids and medications within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act. Client monitoring and the legal implication of documenting medication administration are incorporated. Focus is placed on meeting the holistic needs of clients throughout the lifespan.
- NUR158.1 Community and Mental Health Nursing This course comprises theory and clinical components, incorporating the use of therapeutic communication, cultural aspects, socioeconomic concerns and critical thinking in the nursing care of patients experiencing mental, psychological and psychiatric disorders. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the nursing process to identify and prioritize the health care needs of patients, prevention and working as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Vocational Nursing
- VN103 Foundations of Nursing 2 This course introduces skills related to surgical asepsis, wound care and intervention techniques for assisting clients in meeting basic nutrition, elimination and oxygenation needs. Awareness of personal dignity, cultural and spiritual aspects, ethical or legal significance and required communication are integrated with each skill. Interpretation of drug labels, common medical abbreviations used in dosage calculations and general medication administration principles prepare students to administer medications safely. Guided laboratory experience complements theory.
- VN301 Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing This course addresses nursing care of pregnant women, women in labor and during birth and newborn care. Application of the nursing process and principles of growth and development of children is also covered. Applicable skills and theoretical concepts are applied in clinical and laboratory settings.
Nursing Bridge
- NUR222 Transition LPN/RN – Professional Nursing Health Assessment In this course, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes to begin the transition to the role of registered nurse (RN). Key concepts include Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns to organize health assessment skills, therapeutic communication, values clarification, principles of adult learning, the nursing process, nursing theory, informatics and trends, evidence-based practice and legal/ethical issues. This course provides further development of the student nurse as a professional provider of care, professional member within the discipline and professional manager of care within the scope of the nursing practice. In the lab, students develop advanced bedside assessment skills and devise nursing care plans for clients with predictable and unpredictable health care needs. Prerequisites: Current Practical Nursing License.
LVN to ADN
- RN150 LVN to RN Transition – Theory This course introduces and familiarizes students with the philosophy and conceptual framework of the LVN to RN Associate Degree Registered Nurse Program. Role expectations for the registered nurse as caregiver, teacher and member of the health care team are discussed. Correct use of the nursing process, critical thinking and technical skills are emphasized in caring for culturally diverse clients throughout the lifespan.
- RN225 Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing 1 – Clinical This course provides clinical experience in acute care hospitals and agencies and facilitates the application of advanced knowledge to include comprehensive scientific principles and integration of the nursing process. Students utilize the nursing process to provide nursing care, teaching, support and rehabilitation to clients across the lifespan experiencing high risk/unstable conditions. Simulation labs foster the development of critical thinking skills.
- RN250 Leadership Management 2 This course is further preparation for students to assume the registered nurse leadership/management role, focusing on professional issues that affect nursing managerial/leadership, interdisciplinary functions, legal/ethical dilemmas and delegatory functions in clinical practice. Application of theoretical concepts, critical thinking and problem-solving are emphasized, as is providing competent nursing care to groups of clients in a variety of health care settings.
Find Carrington Nursing Programs Near Me
If you are ready to start your education as a nurse, or to advance your career as a nurse by advancing to an RN, learn more about the different programs Carrington College has to offer or request more information.
- Offered at six locations in Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada
- Offered at locations in California
Nursing Bridge (LPN to RN bridge program)
- Offered in Idaho
Practical Nursing or Vocational Nursing
- Offered at four locations in Idaho, New Mexico, and California
*Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.
Sources:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
- https://carrington.edu/program/nursing-bridge/
- https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/article/careers-for-nurses-opportunities-and-options.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm#tab-6
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-6
- https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/Nursing-Shortage
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3
- https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1141.00
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm#tab-5
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-5
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm#st
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm#st
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm#tab-2
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-2
- https://www.nursinglicensure.org/articles/how-to-become-an-lpn.html
- https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/nurse/registered-nurse/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-4
Last Updated:
November 1, 2023
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