LVN to BSN

Nursing is one of the few fields that is rarely affected by any kind of slump in the job market. In fact, there is a nursing shortage across the country, and workers are needed at even level, starting with licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). As an LVN (also called a licensed practical nurse or LPN in many states), you’ll work giving basic care to patients. Getting an LN education only takes about a year, but once you have your certification, how do you go about finding a job?

First, consider going where the jobs are located. If you aren’t tied to a certain place, you may want to consider moving where the most opportunity lies for LVNs. According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest concentration of LVNS are as follows:

• Louisiana
• Arkansas
• North Dakota
• West Virginia
• Mississippi

So, these are great places to start your search for a job. You can also check out the following metropolitan areas, which have the highest concentration of LVNs:

• Abilene, Texas
• Dothan, Alabama
• Sandusky, Ohio
• Lawton, Oklahoma
• Utica-Rome, New York

To be more general, the types of facilities that hire the most LVNs include the following:

• Nursing Care Facilities (Nursing Homes)
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
• Offices of Physicians
• Home Health Care Services
• Employment Services

In nursing homes alone, there are over 200,000 employees every year, and many facilities of all kinds are short-staffed throughout the year. As an LVN, you shouldn’t have to look hard to find job opportunities.

The tricky part is finding a job that you like. As an LVN, you can expect to make an average of around $40,000 annually, but in some facilities, the pay is quite low, while in others it is very, very high. Money may not be your primary concern – you may instead be seeking a job in a specific field. Some types of healthcare need more workers than others, and typically, the most workers are needed in fields that many nurses don’t like. Here are some tips you can use to get hired for any job to which you apply, even if the position is highly competitive (because of a high salary, desirable working conditions, or other reasons):

• Consider advanced training in your field. You don’t have to go back to college to be an RN if you’re happy as and LVN, but take advance of situations where you can learn. Most facilities offer voluntary training programs for their staff, and taking these classes could mean that you qualify for a better job in the future.

• Work hard in college so you have good references lined up. Yes, prospective employers will call your references, and if you list professors that barely knew you or ones who got a mediocre impression of your work ethic while in school, it isn’t likely that they’ll rave about you to a potential employer.

• Be willing to move. As you can see from above, there are some places where it is easier to find a job than others.

For those looking to make the jump from being a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) to registered nurse (RN), the LVN to BSN degree is the perfect choice. Below are several accredited online colleges that offer nursing degree programs, ideal for any LVN/LPN looking to advance their careers and earn higher salaries.

Top LVN to BSN Degree Programs

LVN to BSN	Indiana State University — Through the Indiana State LVN to BSN (baccalaureate in nursing) program, nurses are able to transition from a vocational nurse to a baccalaureate nurse. Graduates are eligible to register for the registered nurse (RN) licensure exam. The curriculum includes Professional Nursing Synthesis, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, and Nursing Leadership. Read more >>
LVN/LPN to BSN LVN/LPN to RN LVN/LPN to ADN	The College Network (Various Accredited Online Colleges) — Earn your LPN/LVN to BSN degree entirely online with no campus attendance and no waiting list. Learn at your place, your pace, and earn an NLNAC-accredited associates degree in half the time and cost of traditional programs. Read more >>

Other Online Nursing Degrees

RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN - Nurse Admin MSN - Nurse Education	Kaplan University — The Kaplan University School of Nursing offers students the tools required to become world-class nurses in one of the fastest growing careers today. The online program provides the flexibility of completing your degree while staying in the workforce. The curriculum is taught by practicing professionals dedicated to your success. In addition to the bachelors (BSN) degree, the school also offers and masters (MSN) degrees in nurse administration and nurse education.
RN to BSN MS in Nursing (MSN) PhD in Nursing More Degrees...	University of Phoenix — The University of Phoenix College of Nursing provides students a wealth of programs at all levels, including bachelors, masters, and doctorate nursing programs. The school prepares the next generation of leaders in the nursing field, with graduates throughout the nation.
RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN - Nurse Education MSN - Informatics MSN - Management	Walden University — The Walden University Nursing School presents students with numerous curriculum options, including bachelor's and master's degrees in nurse education, nurse informatics, and nurse management available to current RNs. The online format is designed for working professionals that can complete their degree while remaining at work – a flexible solution for today's modern nurse.
RN to BSN	Liberty University — The Liberty University Department of Nursing offers a Bachelor's, RN to BSN, and Master's program. Liberty University focuses on clinical practice, and undergraduates are placed in a hospital setting soon after starting coursework. The RN to BSN track allows nurses to complete their degree in a convenient online format.
RN to BSN	Utica College — Fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission and approved by the New York State Education Department, Utica College offers its online RN to BSN program to licensed registered nurses already holding an associate's degree for the next stage in their career as a health care professional.
RN to BSN RN to MSN	South University — South University provides students both a Bachelor's and Master's program in Nursing. The on campus bachelor's degree prepares students for careers at acute care hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and community-based clinics. The online master's degree provides advanced study in clinical teaching skills and research.
RN to BSN	Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences — The Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences offers an online RN to BS in nursing program that provides students with the knowledge and potential they need for career growth within the nursing profession. Students of this program will gain skills in nursing leadership, management, critical decision making, and health communication.
RN to BSN MSN - Nurse Education MSN - Nurse Management	Herzing University — The Herzing University School of Nursing offers students a variety of nursing program at the BSN and MSN levels. The curriculum is designed to provide graduates advanced coursework in academic, theoretical and clinical instruction in geriatric, surgical, and mental health specialties.
RN to BSN	Grand Canyon University — The Grand Canyon University College of Nursing and Health Sciences is often recognized as a leader in healthcare education. Courses feature academic and clinical rigor with Christian values to graduate committed healthcare professionals. Bachelor's, Master's, or certificate degree conferred.
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