The Sky’s the Limit for Licensed Practical Nurses

The job market for Licensed Practical Nurses is strong and offers opportunities nationwide, which makes LPN training programs an attractive option for residents of the Gulf Coast region. However, before deciding to pursue certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse, you may want to know what kind of career path might be available to you. How realistic would it be to relocate if you’re ready for a change of scenery, or to stay in the Northshore or Greater New Orleans area if this is where you feel at home? Wherever you go, would you have the chance to maximize your career potential?

The good news is that demand for LPN jobs is high all over the country due to the number of facilities in which LPNs are qualified to work, and just about every location offers the potential for advancement. You just have to be aware of the options that are available to you, and have a plan to make them a reality.

While there are a number of different ways to maintain an upward trajectory as a Licensed Practical Nurse, we’ll touch on three of the most popular:

Obtaining Specialty Certifications

Some Licensed Practical Nurses can seek additional certifications in specialized areas of patient care, such as geriatrics, obstetrics, IV administration, long-term care, or hospice care. Obtaining these certifications can open up other employment opportunities for LPNs; sometimes they even qualify LPNs for additional benefits or higher pay. Pursuing certification in these areas of specialization can also be accomplished while LPNs are employed full-time, and doesn’t require them to go back to school.

LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs

Licensed Practical Nurses have different responsibilities than Registered Nurses, and both are critically important to the operation of their facilities. However, RN certification does offer a broader path to some nursing-related jobs, such as management positions. So-called bridge programs allow LPNs to build on the training they’ve already completed to achieve a formal nursing degree. While traditional nursing degree programs may require full-time university enrollment for 2 to 4 years, bridge programs can cut that time considerably. Some bridge programs even offer distance learning programs that allow LPNs to continue working while they pursue a degree and RN certification.

Travel Nursing

Some medical centers or emergency management programs will temporarily hire nurses from other locations to fill unstaffed positions or respond to large-scale disasters. While there’s a common perception that travel positions are only open to RNs, many medical facilities will also request qualified LPNs who are willing to travel. Travel nursing jobs are often short-term and require a great deal of time away from home, but they come with extra benefits and pay to offset the additional time and expenses. Motivated LPNs with at least one year of clinical experience can increase their earning potential and experience life in many different parts of the country by working as travel nurses.

For more information on what a high-quality, accredited Licensed Practical Nursing program can offer you, contact Compass Career College at (985) 218-3921. CCC’s knowledgeable Admissions Counselors will be glad to assist you in finding the best career path for your individual lifestyle.