Lpn-Rn Pathway Versus Traditional Rn Program

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LPN-RN Pathway versus Traditional RN Program

There are multiple similarities and differences as well as advantages and disadvantages between pursuing an associates degree in nursing by first obtaining the LPN degree, then attending a bridge program for the associates versus doing the whole associates nursing degree at a community college. In the US, for one to qualify and be certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), he or she must attend end training for not less than eighteen months (Addington 3). The nurse professional who chooses to pursue an LPN before doing their associates usually has several critical career subjects to cover under the LPN before they proceed to an associates degree. As an LPN trainee, one learns about human anatomy and physiology, general patient care, and other critical nursing theories.  On graduating, the qualified LPN is certified to work, but under the supervision of an RN (Registered Nurse). Because the training duration is relatively short and the duties in the hospital setting equally limited, the LPN earns lesser than the RN in comparison.  However, once an LPN pursues an associate degree, both responsibilities and wages increase (Janzen et al. 168).  Unlike nursing professionals who purse associates degree expressly, the LPNs are not in high demand as such except for some states I the US. Because of the much precaution attached to where and under which conditions an LPN can work, most of them perform their duties in care homes, assisted living settings, and residential medical service deliveries, as opposed to having responsibilities in hospital settings. Nevertheless, because of the desire for career goals and advanced skills, most LPNs are able and willing to bridge their courses and gain certification as associate degree professionals. In fact, the escalating demand for bridging has created more educational and career opportunities for advancing from an LPN to an RN apparently.  There are several advantages associated with acquiring an LPN certificate, first before pursuing the associate degree which includes; getting the certificate is quicker, and the tuition price is affordable to even average students. Furthermore, one does not have either legal or professional responsibility, and they have room to enrol in other programs at a later date, for instance, the LPN-RN.

On the contrary, other than doing an LPN before bridging to acquire an associate degree, one has an option to directly and expressly pursue a nursing associate degree (ADN).  In most cases, going the express ADN way is seen as the quickest and efficient way for one to becoming a registered nurse.  While there is a 48-month option, one could still complete the associated degree within 24 months (Addington 7). While training as an ADN, the learner covers multiple segments of the nursing discipline in their program, including; the basic foundations of nursing as a discipline, as well as the general hands-on practices within and outside of the clinical settings for quality service delivery. Because the program is barely two years, it is considered too as one of the cheaper options between the two. Moreover, because of the programs are offered online, one could still attend to their responsibilities while accessing learning. While going around studies could be flexible and student-friendly, in most cases it is a usual recommendation by educators that students should have prior knowledge of courses like human physiology and nutrition. Because the latter would consume up to twelve months, the ADN program is hence approximated at three years for completions (Miller and Leadingham 151). Nonetheless, finding tuition fee for the aforementioned extra packages could be problematic to most students.  As opposed to the LPNs, the ADNs have the ability and certifications to work in nursing homes, home health, and hospitals (Janzen et al. 169). The AND can then proceed to become an RN with ease. At the RN level, responsibilities, independence, and more salary, as well as job opportunities, would be a guarantee. The ADN can make decisions, embrace critical thinking, and even offer judgments based on the training he or she receives.  There are multiple advantages for pursuing an associated degree expressly without as opposed to taking an LPN before bridging to the ADN, they include; it is a faster educational pathway of studying, and the tuition fees are relatively cheaper cumulatively. Moreover, there is diversity in available employment opportunities for employment.