What Is a Magnet Hospital? What You Need to Know About This Polarizing Healthcare Designation

Magnet hospital It takes a large team of clinical and administrative professionals to successfully operate a healthcare facility. But when it comes to directly working with patients, nurses are on the front line.

Whether in clinics, hospitals or other facilities, nursing professionals are at the forefront of providing quality care for patients—so it’s important they feel empowered and equipped for success in their work environment. Basically, the ability of nurses to perform their jobs well affects the wellbeing of their entire organization.

One way healthcare facilities can draw in and keep excellent nursing professionals is by acquiring the status of a “Magnet hospital.” This is achieved by meeting a lengthy series of credentialing requirements through the Magnet Recognition Program.

But what is a Magnet hospital and what are the benefits of becoming one? Join us as we look closer at this hot topic in healthcare.

What is a Magnet hospital, anyway?

Developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the Magnet hospital program gives healthcare organizations the opportunity to meet standards of excellence in 35 areas related to the quality of care they offer. Magnet credentialing is guided by principles in excellence and professionalism that ultimately advance three goals within hospitals:

  • Promoting quality in a setting that supports professional practice
  • Identifying excellence in the delivery of nursing service to patients or residents
  • Disseminating best practices in nurse services

Due to its ability to “magnetically” attract and retain highly-qualified professional nurses, the Magnet hospital designation increases excellence for the hospital, its nursing team and, in turn, its patients.

Benefits of being a Magnet hospital

According to the ANCC, Magnet status offers a number of benefits to hospitals. These benefits include an improved ability to attract top talent, improving patient care, safety and satisfaction, fostering a collaborative culture, advancing nursing standards of practice and growing business and financial success.

Because of its highly competitive and detailed application process, only six percent of American hospitals have earned Magnet status. But according to the ANCC, even the process of credentialing, or the “Journey to Magnet Excellence,” can be a helpful assessment tool for hospitals:

“The process of applying for Magnet designation is thorough and lengthy, demanding widespread participation within the organization. Healthcare organizations find the journey to be a revealing self-assessment, creating opportunity for organizational advancement, team building and enhancement of individual professional self-esteem.”

The ANCC describes Magnet designation as a trickle-down effect that ensures excellence hospital-wide and therefore benefits nurses, their patients and even other hospital employees or departments.

“Magnet designation impacts the organization in countless ways. Everything from pride among nurses to innovation and collaboration flourishes. These improvements impact not only nursing but all hospital departments,” according to the ANCC.

How does it benefit patients?

Because status as a Magnet hospital brings in the most dedicated nurses, it also usually means delivering better patient outcomes. One way this manifests is through specialization. Magnet hospital environments typically include a healthy sense of competition among nurses, who in turn provide increased quality of care through more specific knowledge in their fields.

In a case study on Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, the ANCC found that Magnet certification encouraged nurses to grow and specialize in their skill sets:

“A focus on specialty certification stimulates healthy competition among units to attain the highest certificate rate, thus improving professional knowledge and practice. Initiatives including a voucher system to offset the cost of certification exams make it easier for nurses to achieve certification. As a result, Hillcrest’s specialty certification rate is now 21.3 percent, up from 14.5 percent just a few years ago.”

For this reason and many more, Magnet hospitals often demonstrate decreases in patient mortality. A 2013 study showed that Magnet hospitals have a 14 percent lower mortality risk and 12 percent lower failure to rescue rates.

Are magnet hospitals really worth the hype?

Though some statistics and studies show Magnet hospitals to be empowering environments for nurses and patients alike, some professionals disagree.

“Nursing unions have been extremely critical of the way in which an organization goes about attaining the Magnet designation,” Koob says. “The California Nurses Association and the Massachusetts Nurses Association state that the program is a promotion tool used by the healthcare organizations to promote the hospital itself. These two organizations state that there is little evidence that nurses at Magnet hospitals are any better off than nurses elsewhere.”

What advice does Koob have for nurses or aspiring healthcare professionals curious about working in a Magnet hospital?

“Do your own homework when looking at a particular healthcare organization,” she suggests. “It’s always about the team and the care of the patients.”

 

What Is a Public Health Nurse? Exploring This Impactful Nursing Specialty

Public health Most people have no problem picturing what a nurse does all day. But ask them about the role of a public health nurse, and you’ll probably get a blank stare. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic placing public health nurses in a global spotlight, it’s understandable if you might not know what exactly these nurses are actually responsible for.

That’s nothing to be ashamed of as not everyone needs to know the ins and outs of public health nursing. But if you have an interest in nursing, you might want to learn more about different types of nurses out there and your potential specialization options—public health nursing included.

So what is public health nursing? If the only answer you can come up with is a vague picture of someone in scrubs passing out flyers about healthy foods, then you’ve come to the right place!

We’re exploring all the answers you need to know about public health nursing, including what they do, where they work and what kind of education they need. After reading this article, you’ll have all the answers to the question “What is a public health nurse?”

What do public health nurses do?

Public health registered nurses (RNs) work at the intersection of public health and nursing. Rather than caring for individual patients, like most generalist RNs, public health nurses care for entire groups of people. They do this by focusing on entire populations, such as low-income patients, pregnant women, those in a certain geographical area or those with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Often these populations are at a greater risk for health issues or complications and are in turn prioritized for assistance by public health departments.

Public health RNs approach nursing from a different perspective than RNs in other specialties. Rather than treating a single health issue when it arises, they look at many risk factors and try to prevent health problems before they begin.

“Public health nurses acknowledge the complexity of public health problems and the contextual nature of health—including cultural, environmental, historical, physical and social factors,” according to the American Public Health Association (APHA).1 These nurses take a bird’s-eye view so they can see systems that may be affecting the overall health of different groups of people. They are big-picture thinkers who aim to improve public health by educating patients and encouraging policy changes that make a safer, healthier world for everyone.

The job duties of a public health RN vary quite a bit depending on where they are employed and what their specialty is, but these are a few of the tasks they may encounter:

  • Performing preventative health screenings
  • Developing educational material and teaching patients about various health risks
  • Communicating with communities in case of a natural disaster or infectious disease outbreak
  • Evaluating the overall health and wellness needs of specific populations
  • Informing population groups about relevant community resources

As you can see, the work of public health nursing professionals is largely in line with the adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By educating, screening and prioritizing preventative measures, public health nurses can help improve health outcomes for entire communities.

Where do public health nurses work?

Most community health workers are employed by the federal, state or local government, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2 This includes work environments as wide ranging as high-profile agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to a small county’s local health department. Individual organizations, such as nonprofit foundations or private health agencies, also need public health RNs on their team.

Regardless of how large or small a public health RN’s workplace is, there will be a focus on doing their part to improve the health of specific populations—and those groups will differ depending on where a public health nurse works.

Some geographic regions have greater struggles with pollution, narcotic drug use or obesity. Certain agencies may have a focus on specific areas of healthcare or certain types of disease. These differences are all things to consider for an aspiring public health RN who wants to follow their interests.

 

What Is Forensic Nursing? Investigating the Crossover of Law and Medicine

Forensic Some of the most exhilarating cases to follow are those in which the judge and the jury can come to a firm conclusion based on DNA or some other physical evidence, giving the victim and the public the justice and closure they seek. Forensic nurses are often the people who first encounter that physical evidence, whether it’s a DNA swab, blood or urine sample, clothing or any other items.

While that itself is an amazing part of their work, forensic nurses do so much more. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what forensic nursing is, and explain how this important work overlaps with law enforcement professionals.

What is forensic nursing?

Forensic nursing sits firmly at the intersection of medicine, science and law. Kristi Jarvis, a forensic nurse and the forensic program coordinator for the Hennepin County assault response team, describes it as “A specialized area of nursing that focuses on all individuals affected by violence, which may include sexual violence, intimate partner violence, child abuse, gunshot wounds and physical assault.”

Forensic nurses may also work in areas you might not initially think of, like in prisons as part of a correctional nursing team. You’ll also find forensic nurses in the aftermath of mass disasters providing trauma nursing and death investigation. These nurses are vital to both the care of victims and the effectiveness of law enforcement in violent crimes.

How do forensic nurses work with law enforcement?

Though not every victim of violence chooses to report their experience to law enforcement when they have a medical-forensic exam done, many ultimately do. This is where forensic nurses usually step in and contact law enforcement so the authorities can take the victim’s report before they are discharged. Any evidence collected during the exam is turned over to law enforcement. In cases of suspected or confirmed abuse, forensic nurses, like all nurses, are mandated reporters, and must reach out to child or adult protective services.

Jarvis notes that in her county, the forensic nurses have developed such a strong and collaborative working relationship with law enforcement that the authorities will often reach out to the forensic nurses for consultation on the interpretation of the injuries with the reported assault.

Forensic nurses can also serve as an expert witness in court and, if experienced enough, provide judicial recommendations. This mostly happens in cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder mistreatment and death investigations.

Forensic nurses also do preventative work, serving the community and working with local government and law enforcement by educating the public about signs of assault or danger and what to do about it. This can include holding information sessions at schools, workplaces or public forums. Amy Schmitz, the lead nurse for the Allina Health Forensic Program, travels to police departments and gives short presentations about what forensic nurses do and how they can work together.

What types of things do forensic nurses typically do?

The duties of a forensic nurse vary widely and depend very much on the position and setting. Most forensic nursing duties typically look like this:

  • Providing one-on-one, trauma-informed care to patients reporting violence.
  • Reporting suspected or confirmed abuse to authorities.
  • Completing medical-forensic examinations (documenting injuries, collecting DNA samples and other materials that may influence an investigation).
  • Sending samples and documentation to law enforcement, if requested.
  • Evaluating and treating patient for STIs or pregnancy.
  • Giving testimony in a court of law, typically on behalf of prosecutors.
  • Acting as a resource for anti-violence efforts, educating the public and law enforcement community.

 

What is the job outlook and earning potential for nurse managers?

Nurse managers Health services management positions, which include nurse managers, are projected to increase by 17 percent through 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is part of a widespread growth in the healthcare industry resulting from growing patient demand and aging baby boomers.

Our job-posting analysis revealed the average advertised salary for nurse managers was $81,942. This increased income comes along with the added responsibilities that come with overseeing an entire nursing department.

What education and training do nurse managers need?

You may be surprised (and relieved) to know that most nurse management positions do not require a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN). What they do require is a registered nursing license and, in most cases, a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). A majority of employers also ask for at least three years of nursing experience, according to our analysis.

If you’ve already earned your BSN and have been working in the field, you may already be qualified to become a nurse manager. You may also choose to become a Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) by passing the exam offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

If you do not yet have your BSN, the good news is you won’t be required to start from scratch. You can leverage your Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and job experience to complete an online RN to BSN program in as few as 12 months.

Are you ready to step up?

You love the feeling you have when you leave work each day knowing you made a difference in your patients’ lives. If you’re ready to use a different skill set to help impact nursing at a higher-level, becoming a nurse manager may be the perfect change of pace for you.

The skills needed to succeed in this position can certainly be developed, but they are not innate in everyone. Kerfoot lists some questions to ask yourself if you’re considering a move into management:

  • Do you already have others seeking your opinion and guidance in your current role?
  • Are you comfortable with allowing the overall team to take credit for accomplishments?
  • Do you strive for excellence in yourself and others?

If your answers are yes, it may be your calling to become a nurse manager. Advancing your education will arm you with the technical competencies to compliment your natural qualities.

 

What It Takes to Become a Nurse Manager

Nurse manager You’ve been a nurse for a while now, and you love your job. There’s nothing that thrills you more than knowing you’re making a difference and helping those in need.

But you’re starting to think that you want to increase your impact even more. In the nursing field, you can’t really climb the corporate ladder by schmoozing your boss or putting in extra hours. But there are ways you can increase your responsibilities. If you’re a natural leader and you enjoy helping others succeed, you may have what it takes to become a nurse manager.

But what does the position entail exactly? What skills and education will it take to land a job? We compiled government information, real-time job data and expert insight to gather all the information you’ll need to decide if it’s the right career path for you.

What do nurse managers do?

Nurse managers are a vital component of any healthcare setting. They are responsible for supervising a nursing unit in a hospital or clinic. That includes direction of nursing staff, oversight of patient care and some management or budget decisions. In other words, instead of spending their day screening patients and checking vitals, they are establishing work schedules, coordinating meetings and making personnel decisions.

There are a handful of other important duties a good nurse manager needs to understand and undertake, according to Tina M. Baxter, APRN, GNP-BC. These include mastering the budgeting process and adjusting for acuity and giving effective direction and feedback to nursing staff. She adds that above all, it’s also imperative to practice ethically and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

While nurse managers typically have several years of clinical experience, they typically discontinue providing direct care themselves once they take on the leadership role. If you are prepared to put aside the patient care aspect of nursing in order to focus on supporting and empowering the entire department, then becoming a nurse manager might be the perfect move for you.

What are some qualities of a nurse leader?

You’ve already mastered the skills needed to be a great nurse. But those will only get you halfway to a management role. Just because you have impeccable bedside manner does not mean that you will be able to lead others to do the same.

Managers must be able to lead, inspire and motivate others to provide the best care possible. We used real-time job analysis software to examine more than 90,000 nurse manager job postings from the past year.1 The data helped us identify what skills employers are seeking in candidates.

Here’s what we found:

  • Case management
  • Patient care
  • Supervisory skills
  • Treatment planning
  • Home health
  • Staff management
  • Budgeting
  • Clinical experience
  • Discharge planning
  • Scheduling

While patient care and clinical experience still make it on the list, hiring managers are generally more concerned with overall case management. Expertise in areas like finance and informatics will also help you see the overall strategy and make the best decision for everyone involved, says Karlene Kerfoot, Vice President of Nursing at API Healthcare.

Other skills that define a successful nurse manager are critical thinking and emotional intelligence, according to Baxter. “A good manager can look at a situation and analyze the moving parts to develop the best strategy while remaining flexible and agile,” she explains. As for emotional intelligence, nurse managers are not only responsible for taking patients’ needs into account, but also those of their nursing staff.

 

Where do forensic nurses work?

forensic nurses Because forensic nursing is not a separate entity, but is integrated into the overall care needs of individual patients, forensic nurses work in many common healthcare institutions—most often in hospitals.

In hospitals or clinical settings, forensic nurses often work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes emergency department staff, child and adult protection advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors. The amount of work depends on how much need there is. For instance, Schmitz’s team is responsible for covering 10 hospitals, which requires her team to work “on-call” to meet varied demand. A patient in need of a medical forensic exam can arrive at any time, so forensic nurses who are on call need to be prepared to arrive as soon as possible. Schmitz says she doesn’t know who she’s going to meet when her pager goes off, but she’s prepared for anything.

“It doesn’t matter if the call is in the middle of the night during a blizzard—I’m on my way,” Schmitz says.

It’s very rare that a forensic nurse works in an environment with focus on the non-sexual violence, according to the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFC). Nurses that do can become certified as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANES) with two years or nursing experience, training and certification. Those that don’t work in that field, might work in the following settings:

  • Medical examiner’s or coroner’s office: Called forensic nurse investigators, they examine the crime scene and the body.
  • Nursing homes or senior living facilities: Forensic gerontology specialists help investigate cases involving abuse or neglect of elders.
  • Aftermath of mass disasters: In disaster zones, forensic nurses provide much-needed trauma and emergency nursing, mental health stress management, death investigation and management of infectious diseases.

Before getting your heart set on a particular path, it’s important to note that every state’s board of nursing has its own set of practice standards, which could impact what settings forensic nurses are allowed to practice in.

What characteristics make for a good forensic nurse?

Being a forensic nurse is immensely challenging, but those with these characteristics might find this position massively rewarding:

  • Critical thinking: The victims’ problems go much deeper than just physical injury or pain. Though there may be little sign of physical injury, in some cases, forensic nurses must be able to preemptively address mental health issues as well. Jarvis notes that forensic nurses often work autonomously and must use critical thinking to decide on the next best steps in an exam.
  • A strong sense of self: Many helpers who work with those affected by trauma often experience a sort of secondhand trauma themselves, also called vicarious traumatization. Characterized by a lack of personal meaning and hope, it can affect the trauma helper’s marriage, mental health, children and friendships.Having a support system, a strong belief system and effective and healthy coping strategies can help forensic nurses immensely in maintaining their ability to have empathy daily for their patients and continue to be an advocate for them.
  • Individualization: Each person reacts differently to trauma and a forensic nurse has to be sensitive to each patient’s state. Schmitz loves this aspect of the job. Each patient gets her “Undivided and full attention in a way that is rare in nursing.”

Above having empathy, being detailed-oriented and skilled at multitasking, Jarvis also cites passion for this type of work is the most important.

“This work is not for everyone, and it takes a particular type of person to do it,” Jarvis says.

How do I become a forensic nurse?

First and foremost, you’ll need to become a registered nurse by earning either an Associate’s degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. After that, you’ll need about two years of nursing experience. Most nurses interested in forensics spend time in the emergency department, the ICU, OB/GYN or psychology and mental health units.

After two years of nursing experience, you can complete a 40-hour SANE course with an adult/adolescent or pediatric focus, or both. Those interested in becoming a forensic nurse investigator can earn a certification through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. Keep in mind that some states may require you to be an Advanced Practice RN for certain workplaces..

Why is being a forensic nurse rewarding?

Though being a forensic nurse can be emotionally challenging and can require additional training, many in the field find it extremely rewarding. Jarvis describes it as an incredible honor to work with and help individuals and often their loved ones on what may be the worst day of their lives.

It’s imperative that the patient see themselves as more than just a victim and realize that their experience does not define them. Getting to be the person who tells them that for the first time is incredible, Jarvis said. “It makes you feel as though you are truly making a difference.”

 

4 False Assumptions About an LPN Career

LPN You’ve always wanted to work in the medical field—of that much you’re certain. Being a caretaker comes naturally to you, and it’d be great to have a job where you feel like you’re making a difference in the world. Because of this, pursuing a career in nursing has remained high on your potential plans. But with so many different types of nurses and educational paths to choose from, there’s a lot of information you’ll need to sort out.

For one, is becoming a licensed practical nursing (LPN) worth it? This path into nursing can certainly be an appealing option for those looking to quickly get started in the field, but it’s understandable if you have reservations. For whatever reason, people seem to make some strong negative assumptions about the role which don’t always hit the mark.

We’re here to set the record straight and address some of the common assumptions, half-truths and misconceptions that may be holding you back from pursuing an LPN career. But before we do that, let’s take a quick look at the role of an LPN nurse.

What is an LPN, exactly?

Licensed practical nurses (sometimes referred to as licensed vocational nurses) are healthcare professionals who provide care for patients. Before being licensed to practice, they must complete specialized nursing training and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

The range of specific activities and treatments an LPN may perform in their daily work will vary somewhat depending on the state in which they practice. That said, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) identifies several common duties of an LPN:1

  • Monitoring basic patient health such as vital signs and overall condition
  • Administering basic patient care (i.e., changing bandages, inserting catheters)
  • Providing personal care, such as helping with bathing and toileting
  • Gathering patient health histories and maintaining documentation
  • Assisting with tests or procedures as directed by RNs or physicians
  • Consulting with RNs and physicians on care plans

As you can see from the list above, an LPN role involves quite a bit of hands-on patient care with plenty of direct interaction with both patients and other members of a care team.

4 Misconceptions you may have about LPN nurses

Before eliminating the option of becoming an LPN, let us help you clear up any confusion that may be keeping you from considering this nursing career path.

1. They really just want to be RNs

While an LPN career is a great way to get started on your dream to become an RN if that’s your ultimate goal, not all licensed practical nurses view it as simply a stepping stone. For individuals who just want an opportunity to help others while supporting their family, it’s a relatively fast track to a fulfilling career.

In fact, the Practical Nursing program at Rasmussen University can be completed in as few as 12 months.2 Pair that relatively short training period with solid earning potential—the BLS reports the median annual salary for LPNs in 2019 was $47,480—and it’s easy to see how this role can be more than just another temporary occupation.1

2. LPN job opportunities are drying up

You may have heard claims that the healthcare industry is beginning to phase out LPN nursing positions, or that it might be harder to find an LPN job nowadays. That’s a bold claim—and it doesn’t appear to hold up.

The BLS projects employment of LPNs to increase by 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, a rate that translates to roughly 78,000 additional LPNs during that time period.1 Like with many healthcare occupations, the BLS attributes this increase in demand to the aging Baby Boomer generation—the combination of healthcare professionals retiring and the generation at-large reaching an age that typically requires additional medical care are both positive forces for LPN job demand.1

It’s true that LPN employment has decreased in the hospital setting, but there are still plenty of opportunities elsewhere. The BLS reports that in 2018, most LPN nurses (38 percent) were working in nursing and residential care facilities—but still a sizable percentage also find work in physicians’ offices (12 percent) and hospitals (15 percent).1

3. An LPN is not a “real” nurse

While they have different titles, it’s important to recognize that both RNs and LPNs fall under the umbrella of nursing. It’s true that there are differences in the overall scope of practice for RNs and LPNs depending on the state you work in—for example, LPNs in some states may have limitations on what they can independently do with intravenous patient treatments—but that doesn’t discount the overall body of work and their responsibilities. As you learned above, LPN nurses cover a lot of ground and flex their practical nursing knowledge on a regular basis.

From taking vitals and recording medical histories to inserting catheters and collecting specimens, it’s clear that LPNs are more than just assistants in the exam rooms. Setting aside the finer points of state regulations, Nick Angelis, CRNA and author, says he likes to focus more on the individual than the initials after their name.

“Over time, the experience bucket fills and the knowledge bucket needed to pass boards empties,” Angelis explains. “You will find some unprepared LPNs, but the same goes for RNs—whether ADN or BSN—as well as NPs and other specialties.”

Health professionals earn their respect by being excellent at their jobs—no matter their scope of practice. The bottom line is that LPNs are most definitely “real” nurses who play a key role in patient treatment.

4. There’s no path for professional growth

If you’re just skimming through LPN job listings, you’re likely to notice what appears to be a lot of the same thing for job titles—“licensed practical nurse.” But that doesn’t mean this nursing role is a dead end with no room for advancement. Like with many roles, there’s the ability to grow with experience and seniority. Additionally, LPNs have the option to pursue post-licensure certifications in areas like pharmacology, long-term care, and intravenous therapy.

Beyond that, expanding your scope of practice via additional nursing education is a very common move. For example, if you are already working as an LPN, an LPN-to-RN bridge entrance option can be completed in as few as 12 to 18 months at Rasmussen University.2,3 When you consider your existing nursing experience plus the familiarity with college-level coursework you’ve developed on the way to becoming an LPN, this transition may feel a lot less intimidating.

 

Licensed Practical Nurse: Degree vs. Diploma

licensed practical nurse At first glance, it seems like getting started in the nursing field would be pretty simple—you get into college, complete a program, meet any employer requirements and then get a job. Seems straightforward enough, right? While those steps are generally on the right track, there’s a little more you’ll need to get sorted out before taking the first step toward becoming a nurse. Near the top of that list? Making sense of your nursing education options.

It’s important to understand that there are many different types of nursing careers—and different levels of nursing education to go along with them. Before you can embark on a nursing career, you need to understand what your options are. If you’re strongly considering becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and wondering about the differences between a degree versus a diploma, it may be time to take a step back so you have a clearer picture of the options.

Practical Nursing Diploma vs. Associate’s degree in Nursing: What’s the difference?

Two of the most common career starting points in nursing are becoming either a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN), and as you might expect, there are some significant differences between the two.

First, let’s clarify the difference between an LPN and an RN. Licensed practical nurses—sometimes called vocational nurses—have a smaller scope of practice than RNs. Their duties typically include helping patients with basic tasks of daily life—like bathing and dressing—as well administering medications, aiding in wound care and monitoring patient vital signs for changes in status.

Registered nurses (RN) are responsible for a wider range of job duties, such as developing care plans, administering medications (including intravenous medications) and treatments to patients, consulting with physicians, and educating patients about a diagnosis.

To start a nursing career as an LPN, you’ll need to earn a Practical Nursing Diploma, pass the NCLEX-PN exam and meet all other state licensure requirements. To work as a registered nurse, you have the option to pursue either an Associate’s degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Once successfully completed, would-be RNs will also need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and meet all other state licensure requirements.

Both LPN and ADN programs will offer the courses you need to feel confident in working with patients. Whichever education path you choose, you can expect to graduate with a solid foundation in patient-centered nursing and practical skills in line with the scope of practice for whichever nursing role you’re pursuing.

Though both programs will put you on track to begin a nursing career, choosing the option that’s right for you will depend on your career goals as well as other factors, like how long you’re willing to wait to begin your medical career. Next, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both to help you make your decision.

 

LPN diploma: Pros and cons

LPN Pros

Shorter time to completion: If your goal is to get started as soon as possible, an LPN diploma is your best bet. You can earn an LPN diploma in as few as 12 months, then sit for the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed.1

Lower cost: It’s no surprise that a shorter education program is also typically the more affordable option. If you’re looking to get into the nursing field for less expense, the LPN route may be an appealing option.

Positive career outlook: Thanks to the aging baby boomer generation, LPNs are seeing a steady solid employment picture. This profession is projected to grow by nine percent from 2019 through 2029, creating an additional 65,700 jobs nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2

Simple path to become an RN later: What if you want to start your nursing career quickly with an LPN diploma but you want to make sure you still have advancement opportunities down the road? You’ll be happy to hear that there are simple options for doing just that! LPNs can always enroll in the Rasmussen University Professional Nursing program, which offers a bridge path from LPN to RN that can be completed in as few as 12 months.1 You’ll be able to build on your existing knowledge rather than starting from scratch.

Cons

Less autonomy on the job: Although LPNs can embark on their career quickly, they don’t have quite as much independence in working with patients as RNs do. LPNs typically need to be supervised by an RN or physician, though the exact regulations vary by state.

Lower pay: The BLS reports a 2020 median annual salary of $48,820 per year for LPNs.2 While that’s nothing to scoff at, especially considering the relatively low barrier to entry, it is still less than what RNs make.

RN Associate’s degree in Nursing: Pros and cons

Pros

More credits toward a Bachelor’s degree: If a Bachelor’s degree is on your radar for the future, an Associate’s degree will help you achieve more credits that may count toward a BSN later on. With Rasmussen University’s RN to BSN program, you could be eligible to transfer up to 134 credits!

Skills training for a broader scope of practice: The extra time it takes to earn an Associate’s degree comes with a bit more specialized training than the broad nursing skills you’ll learn with an LPN diploma. For example, students enrolled in the Rasmussen University Professional Nursing ADN program will also take courses like Multidimensional Care and Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing.

Higher salary: Because RNs have a broader scope of practice and can take on more nursing job duties, it only makes sense that they have greater salary potential. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for registered nurses was $73,300 in 2019.2

Cons

Longer time to completion: Earning an ADN takes a bit longer than an LPN diploma. It’s common for programs to take up to two to three years, although Rasmussen University’s ADN program is designed to allow students to graduate in as few as 18 months.1

Greater cost: As you might expect, a longer degree program comes with a higher financial commitment. Though RNs are positioned to earn a higher salary than LPNs, the difference in up-front cost may be a downside for students who want to enter the workforce without a large investment first.

Choose the road to begin your nursing career

In the debate of a nursing degree versus a diploma, there are pros and cons to weigh on both sides. If you know that becoming a licensed practical nurse is right for you, an LPN diploma can help you get started quickly and affordably. An Associate’s degree, on the other hand, is best suited for those who want to enter the field as a registered nurse.

 

LPN Pros and Cons: A Practical Look

LPN You used to think being a nurse was a straightforward career goal—but then you started researching career options and discovered it was more complicated than you originally thought. There are many different paths and levels of education that can lead you to a nursing career.

You’ve heard of registered nurses (RNs), but there’s another nursing role you should know about: LPN, or licensed practical nurse. Why become an LPN? There are plenty of good reasons to consider this option. But like with any career path, there are potential trade-offs to be aware of too.

Don’t take any chances with your future nursing career! We’re walking through the LPN pros and cons you need to know about so you can make the best decision for your unique situation. With this information in hand, you’ll be better prepared to make a confident decision.

The advantages of becoming an LPN

There are many advantages to choosing an LPN Diploma over other nursing education options. Here are the positive factors that might sway your decision.

1. You can start your nursing career faster

The most obvious advantage to an LPN track is that the time to completion can be significantly faster than other options. The Practical Nursing program at Rasmussen College allows students to complete their courses in as few as 12 months.1 Compared to the minimum 18 months it takes to achieve an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or the three-plus years it can take to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), it’s easy to see why an LPN Diploma is an appealing choice.1

If you’re looking to quickly get yourself on more stable footing in your career, the comparatively short runway to becoming an LPN may be especially appealing.

2. There is still solid earning potential

Your future salary is always a consideration when weighing your career options. You’ll be pleased to hear that the median annual salary for LPNs in 2019 was $47,480, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2 This puts LPNs solidly ahead of median annual wage for all workers, which was $39,810 in May 2019.3 While entry-level salaries are likely to be lower than the median annual salary figure referenced here, the earning potential of an LPN remains solid. This nursing career option provides an excellent pathway to potential economic stability—and that’s not something to take for granted.

3. The job growth outlook for LPNs remains strong

LPNs can earn a decent salary, but what if there are no jobs available for you after you earn your Diploma and license to practice? Thankfully, demand for LPNs appears to be on solid ground, with the BLS projecting employment of LPNs to grow by 9 percent between 2019 and 2029.2

This job growth is considered much faster than the national average, with an addition of 65,700 new jobs projected in that timeframe by the BLS.2 Much of this growth projection is attributed to the aging Baby Boomer generation, which will continue needing increased medical care in the coming years.

4. There are fewer barriers to entry

Becoming a nurse can seem like an intimidating feat—and before you can even begin, you need to get into nursing school. What if your high school GPA isn’t where you’d like it to be, or you’re not sure about your TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) results? Not to mention any prerequisite classes you may need under your belt.

Getting into nursing school is less of a hurdle for those pursuing the LPN career track. If you’re not feeling as confident about your academic abilities, this option can make a nursing career attainable—especially with the help of dedicated instructors and staff who want to see you succeed.

5. You can still advance to RN down the road

Are you worried about starting your LPN career then later wishing you could become a registered nurse? No problem! Many nurses begin their careers as an LPN to gain experience in the field and earn a steady income. You can always advance to a higher nursing degree to become an RN later down the road once you’re more established.

At Rasmussen College, LPNs have the opportunity to enroll in the Professional Nursing program via an LPN to RN Bridge offering. This allows you to build on your existing knowledge, further your education and be ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam in as few as 12 to 18 months.1