This CNA week, with all the recognition CNAs and nurses deserve, DirectShifts healthcare recruitment experts have put together a detailed and actionable career growth plan for all the nurses who are interested in upskilling in their nursing careers.
We hope that this article will help you choose the right nursing career path for you in 2022-2023.
We will cover:
Nursing is one of the excellent career choices for any individual. The career ensures stability and consistent job growth. All you need is the right planning.
As a Certified Nursing Assistant, you can take the next step to advance either as a Licensed Practical Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Registered Nurse, or Physician Assistant. Here's what you need to know to make the best decision for your future.
Fact: LVN and LPN careers are estimated to grow by 12%, or 88,900 jobs, over the next five to seven years.
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a nurse that specializes in basic patient care. An LPN receives instructions from and reports to a registered nurse. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is also called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some jurisdictions. Their job duties include:
As needed, LPNs and LVNs are also responsible for reporting patient status changes to a registered nurse or a physician.
LPN/LVN nursing program take almost one year to complete and are offered at both community and technical colleges. Coursework for this type of nursing profession includes classes in biology, medications, and primary nursing care. Once you've completed the requirements, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
A registered nurse is a trained individual who has earned a degree in nursing education. Their roles include teaching patients strategies for managing chronic conditions, conducting and analyzing diagnostic tests, and administering medications. Registered nurses also coordinate patient care, begin IVs, and supervise CNAs and LPNs.
Educational Requirements for a Registered Nurse:
Education options for professional advancement in nursing include:
Aspiring nurses can take a variety of avenues to achieve their professional goals. If you want to become a nurse, you must obtain:
A Diploma in Nursing
ASN (Associate of Science in Nursing)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
If you want to become an APRN (Find out RN salary and qualifications required), you must obtain a Master of Science (MSN) or Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) specializing in a:
Ask any nursing professional how they started their career, and most likely, they will start as CNA. Being a CNA is a rewarding healthcare position with many career opportunities in a variety of workplaces and a number of patients.
Choose what you like best and the time and money you can invest in skill development. Once you have everything in place, sign up for DirectShifts with your updated resume and we guarantee the next route will be clear.