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Top 10 Best and Worst States to be a LPN/LVN
There is a projected need for 309,000 LPN and LVNs needed in the United States by 2016. LPN and LVNs are one of the most in demand professions in America, but with so many job openings, it begs the question: Where should you work? NursingLink is committed to providing its members with the most most pertinent career research available. Below is ... -
Top 10 Best and Worst States to be a CNA
There is a projected need for 393,000 CNAs needed in the United States by 2016. CNAs are one of the most in demand professions in America, but with so many job openings, it begs the question: Where should you work? NursingLink is committed to providing its members with the most most pertinent career research available. Below is the 10 best and ... -
Become a Nurse - Career Specialties
Most registered nurses choose to follow a career path focused on a specific nursing specialty that fits their personality and intellectual interests. Some specialties involve being certified by a professional board or association which will often increase a nurse's wages and long-term promotion potential. Below are links to several profiles of popular nursing specialties. Each profile includes the average salary and ... -
How Does a CNA Become an LPN?
While both Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are both required to work under the supervision of a doctor or registered nurse, LPNs are given greater responsibility and thereby receive higher salaries than their CNA counterparts. LPNs, referred to as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, make the natural "second step" between CNAs and RNs. The ... -
LPN / LVN Certification
Most LPN / LVN programs last about 1 year and are normally offered by vocational / technical schools or community or colleges. LPNs must be licensed to practice in all states, so completing this 1 year program is pivotal. The exam that LPNs must pass is called the NCLEX-PN, which can only be taken after passing a state-approved program. The exam ... -
ADN vs. BSN
Twenty five years ago, nursing instructors told their students that in just a few years there would be no Associate degrees in nursing. All nurses who hoped to work as registered nurses would need to be Bachelor’s or Master’s trained. Today, according to Nancy Tucker, Dean at Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, two thirds of nursing graduates every year complete ... -
15 Exciting Careers with an Advanced Nursing Degree
Individuals considering nursing should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of enrolling in a BSN or MSN program because, if they do, their advancement opportunities usually are broader. In fact, some career paths are open only to nurses with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. A bachelor’s degree often is necessary for administrative positions and is a prerequisite for admission to graduate ... -
Complete Your RN Program
Nursing Clinicals clinicals to be stressful at first. You worry about whether you will make a mistake that could actually harm a patient. Nursing students joke about this (“I made it through clinicals today with out killing anyone!”) but the truth of the matter is that you can find yourself in some very stressful situations. Mental Preparation Be prepared for an ... -
Which Nursing Degree is Right for Me?
A profession facing a predicted personnel shortage of 1 million by 2012 tends to get creative about helping career changers break into the field. That's exactly why diverse educational options are available to mid-career workers who want to switch gears and pursue a new career in nursing. "The variety is needed to avoid duplicative education efforts on the part of second-career ... -
Become a Certified Nursing Assisant (CNA)
h4. What is a Certified Nursing Assistant? Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is the perfect stepping-stone into a career as a nurse. While a CNA is not technically a nurse, CNAs work alongside nurses, and most progress to LPNs and RNs. CNAs usually work in hospitals and clinics, but they do not have the same amount of training and education as ... -
Why You Should Choose a BSN
Whether you have a diploma, an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), landing a nursing job these days usually isn’t a problem. Advancing in the profession, though, is another matter if you hold less than a BSN, according to experts. But is the BSN always a necessity? Is an associate’s degree alone enough to open ... -
Is an Accelerated BSN Program Right For You?
Whether looking to add meaning to their workdays or find a new vocation after being laid off from a foundering industry, career-changing professionals are increasingly turning to accelerated bachelor's programs in nursing. Accelerated BSN programs train folks with bachelor's degrees in other fields to be nurses in 12 to 18 months. The number of accelerated BSN programs has grown dramatically, from ... -
Become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
h4. What Advanced Nursing Careers Are There? An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a global term used for the following specialization areas. All APRNs have a masters degree and met clinical practice requirements for their specialization. h4. Connect with other Advanced Practice RNs Join the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse discussion group on NursingLink here! h4. Get Started With These Links ... -
Certified Nursing Assistant - A Closer Look
When most people hear the term "Certified Nursing Assistant" (better known as CNA), the first thing that comes to mind is a career in a nursing home. While it's true that this is probably the industry's biggest demand for CNAs, there are other places to use this certification. But what exactly is a CNA, and how can it work for you? ... -
Associate Degree in Nursing
Offered through community and technical colleges, an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) can be completed in as little as two years if you took all the science prerequisites (typically microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, algebra and psychology) in high school. It will take you three or even three-and-a-half years if you need the science prerequisites, which are part of every nursing program, ... -
10 Hottest Nursing Specialties for 2010
Registered nurses still constitute the largest health care occupation, with 2.5 million jobs and growing — and 2010 promises to create even more opportunities. Most registered nurses choose to follow a career path focused on a specific nursing specialty that fits their personality and intellectual interests. Some specialties involve being certified by a professional board or association which will often ... -
What You Should Know to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant
With the healthcare industry growing every year and with the long term projections expected to continue growing steadily, you can't go wrong choosing a career as a certified nursing assistant. However, there are a certain number of courses and certifications that have to be met in order to become a CNA. Many CNA's work in the long term and residential nursing ... -
The Difference Between LPNs and RNs
LPNs vs. RNs: Which role is more important? Who does more? Who works harder? The argument is nothing new. The LPN is quick to tell you she does so much more than make beds, give back rubs, and take vital signs. And the RN counters that she has more education and medical training and is called upon for more advanced procedures. ... -
State Licensure Factsheet: State-by-State Information
In the United States, boards of nursing are the administrative bodies responsible for the regulation of nursing in each state and territory. These government agencies administer the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX – RN) and the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX – PN), and issue licenses based on which prospective nurses passed those examinations. Fours ... -
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Advancing your degree is the best way to get ahead in your nursing career. Whether you want to specialize in pediatrics, trauma, or community health, getting your degree will give you the knowledge and experience you need to reach your goals. You will be qualified for better jobs, have more experience, and make networking contacts necessary for a successful nursing career. ...


















