| Nursing is one of the most flexible professions in the | | | | credentialing exam for these two degrees: once the |
| working world today. Going back to school to | | | | NCLEX-RN exam is taken and passed, a person |
| become a nurse is something that is feasible for | | | | becomes a Registered Nurse. |
| almost anyone, not matter what their age and | | | | At this time, pay scales for RNs vary only slightly |
| background. | | | | between those graduating with ADN degree or a |
| Education for nurses comes via several pathways. An | | | | BSN degree. Many BSN RNs later go on for a higher |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) generally goes to a | | | | level degree, prepare to teach, or have an interest in |
| specialized training school for at least a year. | | | | management positions. |
| Financially, an LPN makes much less than an | | | | Newer programs offer "fast tracks" for diploma |
| Registered Nurse (RN), and many jobs aren't open to | | | | (three-year programs, which became obsolete in the |
| LPNs. | | | | 1980's) and ADN nurses to gain their BSN degrees. |
| To become and RN, a credentialing examination must | | | | There are also special programs for those who |
| be successful passed. The credentialing exam covers | | | | already have a Bachelor's degree in another field to |
| the primary areas of medical, surgical, psychiatric, and | | | | "fast track" through a program and gain a BSN more |
| maternal-child health. Pharmacology, critical thinking, | | | | quickly. |
| and theory and practice are part of the exam. Once | | | | Students can enter right out of high school, and |
| this exam is passed, a student officially receives the | | | | much later as second career choices. |
| designation of RN. | | | | Nursing provides great flexibility. Full-time, part-time |
| In order to take this exam, a student must graduate | | | | and "as needed" positions are often available, |
| from an accredited program of nursing. At one time, | | | | particularly in the hospital setting. Shift hours can |
| these programs consisted of two, three and | | | | vary, and can be anywhere from 4 hours to 12 hours |
| four-year programs. Currently, only the two and | | | | in length. |
| four-year programs are available. | | | | Nurses work everywhere. Hospitals and doctor's |
| A student graduation from a two-year program | | | | offices are only two of the possible venues. RNs |
| earns an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). | | | | work in schools, corporations, the military, insurance |
| Graduating from a four-year program means that a | | | | and pharmaceutical companies, in hospices and home |
| student receives a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing | | | | health, in universities, and even as consultants to the |
| degree (BSN). There is no difference in the | | | | legal field. |