Posts Tagged ‘LPN to RN’

What Is Credit by Examination?

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 by RNBP Admin

paramedic-to-rn-bridgeCredit by Examination award students credits that go toward earning an associate’s college degree, bachelor’s degree or college and vocational certification. Students take the examinations needed in their chosen field of study, which tests their knowledge in the subject. Testing sites throughout the US sponsor The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Advanced Placement (AP) exams at various times during the year. Most colleges consider the credits earned by the Credit by Examination program as transfer credits, so the college policies determine the earned credits for the degree.

The American Council on Education (ACE), approves other examinations recognized for college credit, such as the Excelsior College Exams and Dantes Subject Standardized tests, among others.

Top Benefits for Adult College Students
Most adult students have experience in the workforce that can go toward a degree program, saving them the time it takes to receive a four-year degree. Many adult students earn up to 40 credits toward a degree program through testing.

Another advantage of the Credit by Examination program is the money saved on college tuition. Most adult college student have families to provide for and spending under 100 dollars for an exam, saves thousands of dollars for college courses.

These examinations also help adult students who have already earned a degree but have been in the workplace for a number of years. They can earn continuing education credits for a graduate degree, using their work experience and specialized skills.

Preparing for Credit by Examination
Many adult students lack the confidence to take these exams because they are out of practice with testing and studying. This is especially true of those seeking medical careers, such as nursing because of the technical and medical facts needed to pass the exams.

Programs are available to help prepare for the exams in specific college fields if independent study is difficult or students feel intimidated by text book learning. One of these study programs is RNBridgeprogram.com, an LPN to RN bridge program that provides all the study skills needed to pass the nursing exams and earn credit for a nursing degree. This program allows students to study according to their own schedule using videos, webinars, practice tests and live support.

Programs like RNBridgeprogram.com help adult students remember what they study, boosting the self-esteem they need to pass the Credit by Examination exams. The program actually helps students pass all exams and courses needed to earn an ASN-RN, studying from home.

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

RNBP News: Reform for Busy Learners

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 by RNBP Admin

lpn-to-rn-bridge-programs

RNBP is in the news: The U.S. Nursing Shortage Leads to Training Reform for Busy Learners

With a national vacancy rate for registered nurses at more than 4 percent, the demand for nursing education programs to support the nursing profession, like RNBP , are critical. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "the U.S. will require 1.2 million new RNs by 2014 to meet the nursing needs of the country, 500,000 to replace those leaving practice and an additional 700,000 new RNs to meet growing demands for nursing services."

Read the full news release about (RNBP) RN Bridge Program .

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Social Media Guidelines for Nurses

Monday, December 19th, 2011 by RNBP Admin

“Social media use is ubiquitous, but inappropriate posts by nurses have resulted in licensure and legal repercussions. NCSBN has developed guidelines for nurses and nursing students for using social media responsibly. Key points of these guidelines are summarized, along with dramatization of potential scenarios of inappropriate social media use.”

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

LPN to RN with RNBP- An Indepth Look

Thursday, November 17th, 2011 by RNBP Admin

With RNBP you will earn your ASN-RN degree entirely through assisted self study, video instruction, live virtual lectures and by earning college credits through examination. As a healthcare professional you already have clinical experience, practical skills and academic credit that you can use toward an RN degree. After having your past college credits evaluated to see which ones you can transfer in you will bridge the gap of lacking credits by earning credits through examination.  Check out the video for more information.

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Your First Job After Nursing School

Monday, September 26th, 2011 by RNBP Admin

LPN to RN JobsWhen you transition from a nursing student to a working nurse, it’s important for the process to be as seamless as possible. Consider the following tips before beginning your first nursing job.

Ask About First-Year Nurse Turnover Rates

High turnovers are an indication of how the employer treats first year nurses. Generally you want to work at a facility that has less than a 20 percent turnover rate.

Find Out About Orientation and Preceptor Programs

A preceptor is a trainer or coach who assists nurses with becoming more acclimated with a facility’s routines, procedures and people. New nurses are more likely to stay if they have an experienced guide to inform and nurture their progress. A great question to ask would be “Will a preceptor be available on my shift after the orientation to answer questions and help with clinical decision making?” If the answer is now, then follow up with a question the facility’s orientation process. You want to make sure that you have enough support as a first year nurse to lessen frustrations and uncertainties.

Ask the nurse manager about the level of clinical, social and emotional support available for first year nurses. This support should include having experienced nurses on hand who are willing to help debrief a new nurse when they need help or extra support

Observe the Unit

A walk through of the unit won’t give you a realistic idea of how people work together. It takes a while for people to let their guard down and be their true selves when someone is watching. Therefore, make sure you observe for a few hours so you get a clearer picture of the unit’s interpersonal dynamics. You may even want to come back the next day and observe more. Try to picture yourself operating in the environment. If you’re having difficulty doing so, then this may be a red flag.

Consider Working on a Specialty Unit First

It’s easier for many new nurses to start on a specialty unit, such as labor and delivery or a highly staffed pediatrics unit, because the patients on those units are more standardized than those on a medical/surgical unit where there are a broad range of cases. There environments in these units are more controlled and the circumstances are more consistent.

Get Your Feet Wet

After getting the proper credentials, assessing potential job environments and doing your research, it’s important to just begin working. You’ll find that most of your learning will come from actually performing your nursing duties. The more experience you get under your belt, the better you’ll feel and the more confidence you’ll have.

Ready for a new career as an RN?  Check out our LPN to RN Bridge Program.

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Career Fields for the Registered Nurse

Thursday, May 5th, 2011 by RNBP Admin

lpn-to-rn-nurseIf you are thinking of making the transition from LPN to RN you will find this article informative and motivating. Registered nurses make up 60% of the medical field because they work in every area of medicine.

The most familiar role of the registered nurse is the nurse who works in a hospital, a clinic or a doctor’s office. The basic duties of a registered nurse are:

  • Treat patients according to instructions by a physician
  • Educate patients, their caregivers and the public about illnesses and conditions
  • Provide emotional support to families
  • Keep records of medical histories
  • Perform diagnostic tests
  • Administer medications
  • Write up management plans for home use
  • Instruct patients in diet, nutrition and exercise
  • And many other duties

However, there are many more career paths a registered nursing degree can take you. A few of those career paths are:

  • The perioperative nurse works in the operating room assisting surgeons.
  • Perianesthesia nurses take care of patients before and after surgery or other procedures
  • Transport nurses are emergency nurses who monitor patients while they are being transported by helicopter or plane to a hospital.
  • Nephrology nurses specialize in working with patients with kidney disease.
  • Some nurses combine two specialties such as pediatric oncology nurses who work with children who have cancer.

These are just five of the 62 different areas of nursing that are available to a registered nurse. Some nursing positions are more stressful than others. For instance, nursing positions in hospitals, especially in the emergency room, tend to be more stressful than positions in private practice.  Some of the specialties also require certification by a certifying board but the first step to take is to get an ASN degree in nursing from an accredited college institution.

Nurses’ salaries depend on the specialty and what city the position is located. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook registered nurses can look forward to making from $43,410 to $92,240 per year. Job growth is 22% between 2008 and 2018 which is much faster than average for all occupations. You could not go wrong investing a few years in becoming a registered nurse.

If you’re ready to make the transition from LPN to RN the RNBP video learning system can help make it happen faster and easier!

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Effects of Healthcare Reform on Nursing

Sunday, March 6th, 2011 by RNBP Admin

rnbp-healthOne of the most crucial provisions in the healthcare reform act that is important to the careers of nurses is Obama’s promise to increase funding for the education of nurses. Nursing organizations have been carefully monitoring the status of healthcare reform to gauge its impact on the shortage of nurses in the healthcare industry. Many people who oppose healthcare reform believe that the cost to instrument the plan is exceedingly expensive. In general, nurses believe people can have access to quality medical care without any increase in the cost. Some nurses believe that healthcare reform is really more about reforming health insurance. Nurses would prefer that the passing of the healthcare reform act will cause more money to go towards funding patient care, as oppose to lining the pockets of insurance companies.

Healthcare reform cannot solve the critical shortage of nurse alone. It will take additional help from the state and federal government, and donations from private investors to provide money for nurses to attend school. The American Nurses Association supports healthcare reform legislation, because it will provide increase funding for the education of nurses. The Public Health Service Act has initiated programs which are the primary source of federal funds stipulated for research and the education of nurses. These provisions were put into place to make sure there will not be a shortage of nurse in the future.

Nursing organizations across the Unites States appreciate the fact that healthcare reform has made registered nurses and nurse practitioners an integral part of the healthcare team by given them more leadership responsibilities. Some doctors fear that with registered nurses and nurses practitioners assuming more responsibility, the quality of patient care will deteriorate, and their salaries will decrease. Under the healthcare reform act, federal funding will be provided to Nurse-Managed Clinics, so that nurse practitioners can provide primary and preventive health care in areas that has a shortage of doctors.

Despite strong opposition to the healthcare reform act, many nurses believe that health care reform is needed to improve the overall quality and cost of patient care. Nursing organizations has work closely with the Obama administration to make changes to the healthcare reform bill that will have a positive impact on nurses and patient care in the medical field. Healthcare reform legislation mandates that all Americans must have healthcare insurance. This law will make it necessary to employ more nurses in the future. Nurses will play a vital role in implementing the provisions of healthcare reform, and they will continue to advocate for changes in the healthcare reform laws when needed.

Ready to go from LPN to RN?

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Why Nontraditional LPN to RN programs?

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

computer-nurse

Looking into an LPN to RN program but not sure how you can fit it into your already busy schedule and adult obligations? That’s a challenge many people face.  In today’s world most adults have to come up with solutions to many challenges before they can begin schooling:

  • Adult responsibilities such as family and work
  • Time limitations
  • Need for flexibility
  • Budgetary concerns
  • Part time considerations
  • Commuting issues
  • Child-care considerations

For many people, traditional LPN to RN bridge programs don’t adequately address the challenges that must be overcome for adult students. The cost, time, and personal sacrifices can be prohibitive.  Taking a close look at the real cost, in terms of money and personal sacrifices, with traditional schooling need to be considered, and can include:

  • Full-time tuition
  • Day-time hours have to be dedicated to school
  • Hard copy textbooks,
  • Commuting time, stress of sitting in traffic
  • Car expenses such as maintenance and repairs (oil changes, new tires, etc.)
  • Day care expenses if you have small children
  • Working evening and week-ends
  • Sacrificing family time to work evenings and weekends to finance school

A favorable solution to these limiting factors for the contemporary student is to consider a nontraditional LPN to RN bridge program like RN Bridge Program which  fits well into most adult’s hectic schedules, family and work obligations for the following reasons:

  • Flexible, fluid schedule, can be part-time but get full time results
  • Choose your study hours and the pace of your classes
  • Choose if you want to study on your own or with live instructors- all from home
  • No high tuition bills because it’s a flat monthly membership fee to study as much or as little as you want
  • On- line support system including video instruction, tests, reference material and live, interactive support
  • You can study around your work schedule and keep family as a priority

But is it a quality education?

Yes!  RN Bridge Program is a quality nontraditional LPN to RN bridge program that will help you earn a fully accredited degree from the nation’s largest and highly respected school of nursing. The question to ask yourself is what type of learning style will best suit your life?  Nontraditional nursing students must demonstrate the same level of proficiency in clinical skills and system knowledge as the student who is enrolled in a traditional program.  If you can extract that knowledge base from just reading stacks of text books and without any outside assistance or support, then conventional nontraditional LPN to RN bridge programs will be a great fit.

If you need the support and structure of a traditional program, like instructors to help you stay on track and to answer questions about difficult nursing theory, then RNBP is what you need.  (It’s the best of both worlds; flexibility in your schedule but structure to keep you moving!)

Either way though, the quality of nursing education in nontraditional programs is no less accredited or less prestigious than traditional schooling.  The most important thing to ask when you enroll into an online LPN to RN bridge program is are they accredited and will you be able to get licensed in your state with your degree.  With RN Bridge Program you can know for sure that we’ve got you covered.  After graduating you will be fully prepared to take and pass the NCLEX-RN just as you would after a traditional program.  The ONLY difference is that you did it in less time, for less money and all on your schedule!

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

The Modern Registered Nurse

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

nurse-smiling

So what is it you actually do?!

The nursing profession has made some dramatic changes since the day this opinion was written:

” It is customary with many nurses to carry with them a small pocket case filled with instruments, such as scissors, dressing forceps, caustic holder, tongue depressors and so forth, but. . . intended only for show, and . . . quite unnecessary” [1,4].

That sure isn’t the case anymore! The nursing profession has experienced rapid changes during the 21st century; some because of hard-earned respect for the profession, others due to the amazing technological advances made in medicine.  So, what does it mean to be a “modern nurse”?  Nurse’s work is patient driven in a fast-paced environment with rapid-decision making and frequent use of modern technology. Nurses now have more opportunity for leadership roles, autonomy in decision- making and advances in their career. Modern nursing looks something like this:

Choices, Choices and More Choices; Choose your specialty:

Modern nursing has become specialized and nurses today have a nearly unlimited choice of specialties and advanced nursing opportunities. Some of the choices available are:

  • forensic nursing
  • occupational health nursing
  • peri-operative nursing
  • nursing informatics
  • environmental health
  • Genetics
  • case management
  • infectious disease
  • community health
  • clinical nurse specialist
  • public health nursing
  • tele-nursing

Choices in How to get your education

The technological boom, particularly the growth of the internet, allow nurses the advantage of being able to obtain their nursing degree, certification and specialized education on-line and in virtual classroom and through distance learning. You can take your CEU classes online, you can renew your license online.   Just a generation or two ago, the only way to obtain a nursing degree would have been in a  “traditional classroom” setting, which excluded many prospective students because of its inflexible schedule, cost and inability to accommodate for other priorities like family and jobs.  Now LPN to RN bridge programs online are allowing more people than ever to reach goals that one day would have been unattainable.

The Human Factor

Patients are more educated and involved than ever. Nurses are taking care of patients and families who often know far more about their disease process then in generations past. The internet is a major tool used in self-education.  Patients may want to be intimately involved in the nursing process and expect answers to all medical questions, treatment options and second-opinions before making health care decisions. The nurse has an increased responsibility to help the patient separate fact from fiction.

Technological advances: keep the patient in mind

In most hospitals, long gone are the days of handwritten nursing notes and doctors orders. Computerization has completely replaced this, and many other areas in medicine. The rapid pace of technological changes can become overwhelming; but specialized classes, training, and peer proctoring can help to keep the nurse proficient. Another challenge with the flood of technology is to overcome the possibility of de-humanizing the nursing process. Being the patient’s advocate and keeping their needs–which include human compassion and interaction– as the priority is the core of nursing.

Modern nurses have the unique challenge of mastering the technological advances of the 21st century, such as:

  • Computerization of patient records and nursing notes
  • Wireless communication in health care communication
  • Computerized patient monitoring systems
  • Tele-conferences on patients and education
  • Advanced computerized life-saving equipment
  • Mobile- computing systems using PDAs. Point of care data processing.

It’s an exciting time to be in the nursing profession. Nurses will continue to see advances in technology, increased opportunities for leadership and specialization and expansion of virtual classrooms and distance learning.

If you’re trying to bridge your nursing education to a higher level then RN Bridge Program can make it happen quicker and for less money than conventional LPN to RN bridge programs.  Incorporating old school teaching and new school technology, RNBP offers an innovative and proven learning system to help you bridge your existing nursing experience to a higher degree.  Unlike other LPN to RN programs, RNBP offers all the flexibility of distance learning PLUS the structure and support of traditional nursing schools.  100% accredited!  100% proven!

[1,4] An 1895 Look at Nursing, author unknown<http://enw.org/1895_Nursing.htm<

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

What is the Future of Associate Degree Nursing Programs?

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

graduate-nurse

The Advantages of Non-traditional Programs as a Practical Solution to the Nursing Shortage.

There is a critical shortage of registered nurses in the United States right now. This shortage must be addressed, and soon. As the population continues to age and baby boomers retire, the need for qualified nurses will continue to grow. The nursing shortage has brought many minds together to try and come up with innovative solutions to address this shortage. The government, hospitals, and private organizations are all concerned and brainstorming for solutions. Nontraditional education will play a significant role in satisfying the increasing demand for nurses. Current Statistics on the nursing shortage are somewhat dismal:

  • The American Health Care Association reports in July 2008 that more than 19,400 registered nursing vacancies exist in long-term care settings and 116,000 in hospital settings.
  • The registered nursing shortage could be as high as half a million by 2025.
  • The Council on Physician and Nurse Supply released a statement in July 2008 determining that 30,000 additional nurses need to graduate annually to meet the United State’s health care needs. This would be 30% over the current rate of registered nursing graduates.
  • According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published in the November of 2007 Monthly Labor Review more than one million new and replacement nurses will be needed by 2016.

So what are the primary causes for the nursing shortage? And what can we do about it?  Here are a few of the practical reasons for the shortage :

  • According to the AACN’s report on 2008-2009 Enrollment and Graduation in Baccalaureate and graduate programs in Nursing, U.S. nursing schools turned away 49,948 qualified applicants from baccalaureate programs due to insufficient number of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space, clinical preceptors and budget constraints.
  • Almost two-thirds of the nursing schools reporting to the AACN’s survey pointed to faculty shortages as a reason for not accepting all qualified applicants.
  • In today’s world, many adults are not able to attend traditional nursing schools and universities which is forcing state nursing boards to ask themselves, “What is the Future of Associate Degree Nursing Programs?” The answer is acknowledging that the need for alternative nursing education is paramount.

According to national statistics, traditional universities and nursing schools are not able to consistently recruit faculty, staff and students to keep up with the national need. Traditional education is quite expensive requiring both day and evening hours for staff without commensurate compensation.

What’s the long-term solution?

Being able to recruit and retain registered nursing students in today’s high-tech, modern society is a multi-faceted and sometimes complex issue. Hospitals, nursing organizations, and nurses must embrace these changes if we are to see long-term solutions.  Potential nursing students are reluctant to commit to traditional programs for a myriad of reasons, both practical and theoretical.

Examining the differences between traditional and nontraditional schooling will help to clarify the reasons potential students would favor the nontraditional route.

Traditional schooling Non-traditional schooling
Hours/schedule On a linear track, daytime hours and inflexible schedule. May have to change work and family needs to conform to schooling Flexible, you decide how and when to study and can work around family and work obligations
Length of time to complete degree usually linear, clearly defined and full-time course load.Often inflexible Flexible, “work at your own pace” both part- and full time opportunities. Ability  to take breaks to attend to other obligations and priorities
Cost Prices vary, usually between $5,000 and over $20,00 for just tuition and book fees Tuition and fees between $5,000 and $20,000. Very limited costs for  transportation, rooming and board. Books and resource materials often available for online use
Personal considerations Required daily driving, possible long commute, takes significant additional time away from work and family. Classes must be attending at the school Can be completed in your own home, no commute time, flexible schedule around family and job obligations. Can take classes anywhere with “virtual” classrooms
Environmental issues Environmental Pollution from car exhaust due to travel  large paper usage, waste products and other environmental factors. Large overhead expenses for utilities and upkeep of facilities Little transportation or pollution, gas usage, paper use or output for either students or faculty. Minimal overhead costs, no maintenance required of virtual or online classes
Technology considerations Mostly text- book usage and hardcopy. Students may be behind in current technological advances compared to online students. Able to keep current with computer and online technology; as courses and testing is offered this way.

Because of the obvious benefits nontraditional education offers potential students it will continue to grow and has a significant place in addressing the nursing shortage. Emphasizing traditional nursing education severely limits the pool of potential students, often times those who would make the most dedicated and competent nurses.  Solutions are not simple or linear, but if institutions and policy-makers keep in mind some of the major priorities of the contemporary student such as the need for flexibility, continuous class-room availability, staff support (on-line access), affordable costs, around-the-clock assistance (with RN Bridge Program), and availability to work at your own pace, nursing would have many more prospective students.

(If you are interested in becoming a nurse in as little as half the time and half the cost of traditional programs (or even conventional online nursing programs) let RN Bridge Program make it happen.  With our video based learning system to lay down your Associate degree nursing framework, getting your accredited nursing degree will easily dovetail with the busy life you already have.)

VN:F [1.1.3_449]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)