Returning to school as an adult looking for continuing or higher degree of education is no easy feat. But if you have a good foundation and you want to pursue other fields associated with your existing job, then you can do so by enrolling in the right program. As a licensed vocational nurse (LVN)0, you can do this by gaining a registered nurse (RN) degree. In California, there are numerous LPN to RN programs that might interest you. Differences between the two degrees lie in how long and at what scope their responsibility allows them to give care and collaborate with other health professionals in the clinical setting. LVNs are basically trained in physical sciences, practical care management and pharmacology for about 2 years. RNs, on the other hand, get more than 2 to 5 years of training, based on the degree chosen.
You can generally enroll in the program through local colleges in California or you can do distant learning that most of these schools provide. Like other states, California provides an LVN a 30-unit program option for those LVN getting RN licensure. This nursing program can take another year or two to complete, without any possible degree given at the end of the training program.
You can choose among leading colleges with this program and there are several choices. One, you can check out Azusa Pacific University’s 30-unit option or Mira Costa College’s LVN-RN career ladder nursing programs. Other top programs that you may consider are Chabot College’s program, West Hills’ bridge program, Sacramento City College’s career mobility program etc. LVNs who are taking this higher step can expect more responsibility and accountability in the workplace as RNs. Also, higher pay awaits those who complete the nursing program and those who gain licensure thereafter.
Nurses, as primary care givers, private specialists and experienced clinicians, are part of the health care workforce which offers the community the treatment that they need. They basically comprise approximately 60% of the providers – the largest group so far – of the health care service area. Whether you’re a registered nurse or an individual who wants to be one, it’s valuable that you know your duty as an advocate who cares for patients, promotes community well being and performs productively in a health care team. What’s more, you need to remember the significance of rendering high quality and safe nursing care. 