Good day "allnurses.com" patrons. I have been an LPN for a bit. I am wishing to further my career as a nurse but I do not know which direction to go.... I want to maximize my earning potential while becoming better educated as a nurse (not sure what area to choose). I have heard numerous times that RN's have higher earnings than LPN's. I have a Bachelor's degree in nursing but I am starting to feel like a career boost would help me despite my current educational background. I know that you all are very helpful and passionate with your comments. Please let me know what you think I should do. I'm not even sure if I can go back to college for any degree that coincides with the nursing profession as an LPN. I heard and read from several sources that in order to earn anything that pertains to nursing, I must go be be an RN first. Thank you all for your feedback.
Do you not understand than an RN license is broader license than an LPN license. I am still not understanding how you can have a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and not have RN license.
Do you have a degree that is not from the United States that prevents you from taking the NCLEX-RN? I know most graduate study programs in US require an RN license if it is Nursing related.
She did what a lot of LPNs do: she got her BSN, but for some unexplained reason did not take NCLEX-RN after she graduated. I honestly do not understand why you would go to the trouble of getting the BSN but not take the next logical step-sitting for the exam for which the BSN prepared you.
Or did you take it , not pass, and just give up on it?
Hello everyone. Sorry for the late reply, I have been busy looking into different graduate schools to apply for while simultaneously job searching. I'm sure you all will be pleased to know that I have been called for several Supervisory positions in different states. (I'm willing to relocate or be a travel nurse). Aside from the DON/Manager positions I found and got an interview for in Missouri, I most recently was contacted for another Charge Nurse position. The only thing I am skeptical about is the sign on bonus. It's a bit too low. Click on the link to see if you would be interested....https://www.kelolandemployment.com/vj/charge-nurse-rn-lpn-covington-care-and-rehab-center/101017. I may still apply though. I also received an email from another company for a Director of Nursing position. I hope to hear good news. Here is the link to it....https://www.ziprecruiter.com/jobs/global-healthcare-services-1dfcc6e4/interim-permanent-director-of-nursing-long-term-care-c90cbc72.
Do you think that the company requires too much? I am looking for a challenge but I don't like too much work for low pay. Here is some information on the job description....
Qualifications/Requirements:
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing required.
Minimum one (1) year Long-Term Care Leadership experience preferred.
Compensation:
$80,000-100,000/year for permanent
Interim will be competitive and housing provided
As the Nurse Director you are accountable for completing assigned duties that include: assessment of resident needs; supervise and manage all aspects of the nursing department; and cooperate with administration to assure efficient, cost-effective operation of the facility.
Strong knowledge of regulations and ideas for implementation, as well as having experience in the LTC survey process.
Strong focus on resident quality and safety and can lead a team to achieve this.
I will ultimately choose from the job that hires me. This is why I am going back to college for a graduate degree. While I see that my BSN and experience are beneficial for pay and employment opportunities, I think that some companies won't pay enough... $80,000-100,000 is not enough. I drive a Range Rover and prefer designer clothing... That salary is not going to support my habits.
I know that you all said having my RN license is great too, but I feel like there's not much of a difference. My degree advancement may be more beneficial. I am happy that after high school, I went straight to college for a BSN degree, thus my current LPN,BSN credentials. However, with a Master's of Science degree or higher, I can become a Nurse Educator or Professor... I hope this works out for me. Thanks again for your help guys. Nursing is tough.
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
Your MSN to be an educator or professor is going to require that RN license to go with it- if only to just even get into the program. Also, forget about getting tenure without a doctorate. And to be a nurse educator, you’re going to need an MSN, not just any random masters
Also, your current licensure isn’t going to get you that salary to support your Range Rover and designer clothing- it’s going to keep you at the low end of those salary ranges you spouted off.
You continue to dodge the question of why you have a BSN but not the RN license.
You continue to dodge the question of why you have a BSN but not the RN license.
I am very curious about this too.
@Divine-LPN,BSN Is there something holding you back from sitting for the NCLEX-RN which I must assume you are eligible for? Why are you working as an LPN when you could work as an RN? Even if you were to get your MSN, you would still require an RN license anyway so why are you not trying to get the RN license and gain RN experience?
Thank you guys for the concern. I was just hired for the Director of Nursing position near my hometown in Missouri. I guess I have not taken the NCLEX again because I do not need it. As I have learned and am pleased to know, I can work in any area that I choose. I appreciate that you all have given your advice but my final decision is to remain the type of practitioner that I am. Wish me luck on my new job as DON!
Thank you guys for the concern. I was just hired for the Director of Nursing position near my hometown in Missouri. I guess I have not taken the NCLEX again because I do not need it. As I have learned and am pleased to know, I can work in any area that I choose. I appreciate that you all have given your advice but my final decision is to remain the type of practitioner that I am. Wish me luck on my new job as DON!
Fortunately you are in Missouri (about which I know nothing with regard to nursing practice). In my state, you could not be a DON of any facility which employs RNs, as it would be a violation of the Nurse Practice Act for a LPN to supervise the nursing practice of a Registered Nurse, BSN or no.
As I have learned and am pleased to know, I can work in any area that I choose.
Also not the case where I live.
I think it's rather bizarre that you never took the NCLEX-RN, an exam for which the BSN specifically prepares its students. I'm still not sure I actually believe your posts.
While I see that my BSN and experience are beneficial for pay and employment opportunities, I think that some companies won't pay enough... $80,000-100,000 is not enough. I drive a Range Rover and prefer designer clothing... That salary is not going to support my habits.
Ummmm hummm...And you currently make enough to support designer clothes and a Range Rover?
Salisburysteak, BSN, RN
164 Posts
Do you not understand than an RN license is broader license than an LPN license. I am still not understanding how you can have a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and not have RN license.
Do you have a degree that is not from the United States that prevents you from taking the NCLEX-RN? I know most graduate study programs in US require an RN license if it is Nursing related.