How to Become an RN Fast √ RegisteredNursingSalary.com

How to Become an RN Fast. You have heard it millions of times, but this old saying does not suit you. You know what you want, and you don't need to wait for it. You prefer life in the fast lane, plus you have bills to pay and professional goals to achieve. You don't need to wait.

You are motivated to launch your registered nursing career, but spending a few years in school is the last thing you want. You are looking for a fast track RN program that will help you get your scrub as soon as possible.

You will be glad to hear that nursing is a field with many entry options to suit your preferences. So, if you want to be a fast nurse, you can find a path that suits your needs. And once you work, you can always continue to advance your education in the future.

Read on to learn how to become an RN fast and see which paths sound like the best route for you.

How to Become an RN Fast ::

How to become an RN fast?

1. LPN lane: The best fast lane

Can be completed within 12 months. If you want to enter the field, the fastest way to become a nurse is to take the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) route. Even if you don't really become an RN, you can start a nursing career in just 12 months. This will allow you to start gaining experience (and getting paid) with the option to work towards RN status later.

What does LPN do?
LPN is a valuable player in the nursing team. But what exactly do they do? These health care professionals are responsible for taking patient vital signs, distributing medicines and providing basic patient care, such as changing bandages and infusions, among other tasks, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

They usually work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or doctor and sometimes are responsible for supervising nurse assistants. The most common workplaces for LPN are nursing and home care facilities, according to BLS. Other entrepreneurs include hospitals, doctor's offices, home health services and government facilities.

Career progress for LPN
LPN who wish to continue their education can continue to apply their knowledge in the bridge program to get their Associate degree in Nursing (ADN). This plus passing the NCLEX-RN license exam will give them the title of registered nurse (RN).

LPN salary and job growth
The average annual LPN salary in 2017 is $45,030, according to BLS. LPN employment is projected to grow 12 percent to 2026, which is faster than the national average rate of 7 percent.

2. ADN avenue: Fast route to the RN role

Can be completed within 18 months. If you have a set view of the coveted RN role, obtaining an Associate in Nursing (ADN) degree will be the fastest direct route to your career as a registered nurse. Many do not realize that an RN degree can be obtained with an associate or bachelor's degree. By choosing your ADN, you can launch your registered nursing career within 18 months.

What does RN do?
This is one of the most prevalent professions, but what exactly do registered nurses do? RN works under the supervision of a doctor and is responsible for many patient care tasks. This includes making treatment plans, conducting diagnostic tests and teaching patients how to manage their diagnoses. Most RNs work in hospitals, according to BLS. They can also work in a variety of other settings, including nursing homes, private practice, schools, prisons and more.

Educational progress for RN with ADN
Many RNs with Associate degrees choose to build on their education and experience by enrolling in the RN program with BSN, which can be completed in just 12 months. Many schools offer these programs online to make it easier for RNs working to advance their education.

RN salary and job growth
RNs earned an average salary of $70,000 in 2017, according to BLS. Continued demand drives growth in the field, with an increase in employment of 15 percent projected until 2026, which is far higher than the national average.

3. A-BSN: Fast track to advanced nursing degrees

Can be completed within 18 months. Another fast track option to become a nurse is for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree. If you fit into this category, even though your degree is in an unrelated subject, the Bachelor of Acceleration in Nursing (A-BSN) degree is the optimal choice for you. If you want to change careers and become a fast RN, this option can allow you to do it in 18 months.

What does RN-BSN do?
BSN nurses usually perform the same tasks as the ADN tasks mentioned above. However, this degree qualifies them to take on greater responsibilities and can open doors for many interesting nursing specialties. RN with BSN has the advantage of getting more job openings, especially in large, urban or magnet hospitals, some of which require all RN candidates to have BSN. Some specialties, such as school nursing and public health, usually require a BSN as well, as do many nurse management roles.

Educational progress for RN with BSN
Getting your BSN is not the end of the line in nursing. In fact, BSN opens many more doors if you are looking for progress in your career. Some registered nurses continue their education to get a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which can later encourage you to lead in administrative specialization or to teach future generations as nurse educators.

RN salary and growth
As stated above, the RN earns an average annual salary of $70,000 and faces a faster than average growth rate of 15 percent, as reported by BLS. RNs with BSN tend to produce a little more than RNs with ADN, although the real opportunity to increase earning potential comes from various nursing specializations and managerial roles that are open to nurses with BSN degrees.

Now that you know how to become an RN fast, what are you waiting for?