If taking care of people and helping those in need are activities you’re naturally drawn towards, then you can consider taking it a step further and making them a part of your full-time career. A great way to enter the healthcare industry is to start a career in nursing.
The Licensed Practical Nurse has become a popular choice for university students, as it allows one to become a part of the healthcare industry without giving years to education, training, and specializations. One can definitely pursue their studies further after becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Nonetheless, this short program will have you well on your way to grabbing your first entry-level job.
Now, there are different types of nursing. One could be a homecare registered nurse, a labor and delivery nurse, a clinic nurse supervisor, etc. The benefits of the one we’re talking about in this blog is the Licensed Practical Nurse. Licensed Practical Nurses work in various settings such as homes, schools, mental health institutions, etc. Although many types of nurses often work together in hospitals and other facilities, their scope of duties depends on their qualifications and the state they practice in.
Let’s take a closer look at 6 of the advantages of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Here’s what you will find:
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1 – Ample Finances
Nurses’ salaries vary according to their experience and educational background. Nonetheless, it’s a well-paid job. Based on the data provided by the BLS (U.S. Bureau of labor statistics), nurses have a median annual wage of US$48,070¹. A career in nursing can help one become financially sound.
2 – Training is Short and Sweet.
The most appealing aspect of the LPN program is how short-spanned it is, especially compared to other careers that land you in the healthcare industry. On average, a practical nursing program can be completed in as little as 16 months! So, compared to your peers who might be pursuing some lengthy undergraduate courses, you might find yourself on your feet, employed, and independent much earlier!
3 – Plenty of Growth Opportunities – Even Internationally!
As a standard, one needs to pass the NCLEX LPN exam from the LPN state board in order to become an LPN Licensed Practical Nurse in Louisiana.
Once you’re a Licensed Practical Nurse, the opportunity to grow lies in almost every corner.
Firstly, you could have the opportunity to choose your own setting, from homes, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes to other medical or rehabilitation institutions. Choose a field of work that interests you or rotate between many and find one you like best.
With many leadership roles and countries that invite nurses to join their healthcare force from time to time, your career could be a beautiful picture filled with variety!
Additionally, after making a few bucks, you could opt for higher education through various nursing programs and nursing courses to acquire certifications that extend your capabilities a step further.
In fact, career advancement courses can also be taken while working full-time, thanks to the availability of online programs.
4 – It’s in High Demand
Registered nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses are in high demand across the country and will continue to be so. As a matter of fact, employment for registered nurses is expected to increase 9% from 2020 to 2030, substantially faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics².
5 – Adaptable Schedules
Although nurses may be required to work extra or float to another floor occasionally, there is some amount of flexibility that is favorable for them. If you’re not the type of person that likes to work 9 to 5 and likes changes in your schedule from time to time. Then being a nurse, in general, gives way to some sort of flexibility. They can opt to work full-time, part-time, or on-call, depending on their employment. Many healthcare organizations require nurses to perform three 12-hour shifts per week, allowing individuals who don’t mind long workdays to take four days off in a row.
In the healthcare industry, flexibility is crucial.
6 – Job Satisfaction
No amount of money can ever accommodate for the contentment that a health care professional carries in their heart by the end of the day. Work can be physically and psychologically challenging. In fact, it can be demanding of empathy at the most exhausting intervals of the day. Nonetheless, nurses enjoy high levels of satisfaction at their jobs, knowing they serve those who are sick and in need.
Licensed Practical Nurse Training as a Great Place to Start Your Career in Nursing
There are numerous nursing programs to pick from. However, the relatively short path to becoming an LPN may seem incredibly enticing if you’re swiftly trying to enter the workforce. Nurses can always move on to pursuing higher-level degrees, such as the Master of Science in Nursing, which requires specialty certification.
After reading about the numerous benefits a Licensed Practical Nurse receives, your next step would be to search up “practical nursing programs near me”. There are a plethora of nursing schools providing nursing education to help prepare students to qualify for their LPN licensing exam.
If you’re looking for an LPN school in Metairie. Then, Blue Cliff College, is a wonderful LPN school in Louisiana that offers a vast in-class curriculum, and hands-on training, through experienced industry experts. It won’t just train you to become a capable nurse. It’ll facilitate you with all the exposure required for you to grab your first entry-level position. So, what are you waiting for?
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse is also a great option for those who wish to change or pivot their careers in completely new directions. All it takes to enroll in the program is high school certification.
There is no better time than the present to pursue your dreams! Get started here.
Sources:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm#tab-5
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm#tab-6
- https://www.lsbpne.com/
