LPN to RN

A seven part series weighing the differences between LPNs and RNs, and what possible benefits there may be in becoming a RN.

LPN to RN Advancement - Does the benefit outweigh the effort?

Although most LPNs are well aware of many of the benefits of becoming an RN, many are hesitant about going the next step and starting the classes. Some worry that they may not have time to attend, while others wonder if it all would be worth it in the end. If the person has made a lengthy career from their LPN license, the increase in pay may not be as substantial as an LPN that has not been working long enough to earn as many pay increases and benefits. These are real concerns, and may very well be justified. This article is intended to help answer some of the questions that these LPNs have, and may serve as inspiration to those that have been considering the jump from LPN to RN.

Is There a Need for More Registered Nurses in the USA?

The United States is an aging nation. As baby boomers age the need for qualified medical attention for those individuals continue to rise. Many baby boomers had careers as industrial laborers in mining, manufacturing, refineries, and many other hazardous working environments. Although those industries still exist, strict guidelines imposed by the EPA, OSHA, and other environmental and safety agencies has since drastically reduced the risks and long term effects of working in those areas.

Aside from the rising elderly population, and the need for their long term care, healthcare workers are facing an increasing difficult battle in managing disease and sickness, as virus and bacteria become more resistant to treatments with typical pharmaceuticals. New strains of such things as influenza, meningitis, colds, and childhood diseases appear almost daily, as well as the constant discovery of completely new diseases and disorders. The battle between successful treatment of these problems rages on and science seems to be facing a losing battle.

According to the latest report from the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, published in November of 2005, the US will need over 1.2 million new nurses by the year 2014. Included in this projection are 703,000 new RN positions that will be created, along with about 500,000 positions that will become open as nurses retire, advance, and change careers. This is a stark contrast from the figures in a report by the HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) that show decreasing numbers of new students entering into the nursing profession.

Upon evaluating the numbers and statistics projected, it is clear that the shortage of registered nurses is still very evident and that shortage will continue to rise over the next decade. Although the healthcare industry is working in conjunction with accredited nursing schools to provide more opportunities for students to enter the nursing industry, the expected attendance in these classes continues to be short of the number of students needed to not only fill current openings, but will also be far fewer than what will be needed to fill the new opening s that are created. The nursing industry in the USA is not only failing to keep up with the current demand for nurses, it is also not expected to fulfill the increasing demand for all new employments and openings.