RNs Must Keep Up with Education, Certifications to be Employable

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by Alex A. Kecskes

The sagging economy is touching all sectors, including the once invulnerable health care industry. Hospitals nationwide are simply not hiring right now. Some even began furloughing employees as early as 2009. But this cloud does have a silver lining.

Aging baby boomers will soon trigger an enormous demand on our health care system. The temporary downside is that most private insurers as well as the government have cut reimbursements to hospitals. Many are even operating in the red. But there are certain things you can do to make yourself more employable.

For one, if you're considering a career as an LPN (licensed Practical Nurse), you should upgrade your training and certification to RN (registered nurse). While LPNs are a vital part of the health care system, many hospitals are currently seeking Center of Excellence status or Magnet status and they need RNs to achieve these rankings. It's important to note that nurses wishing to rise into management must be RNs. In fact, many hospitals simply no longer use LPNs.

Today's RNs are better educated and often pursue continuing education programs to advance their careers. Those who sit still will be left behind to join the ranks of the unemployed. Much like doctors, RNs must constantly keep up with the latest technologies and certifications.

See NurseCEU.com for a directory of online Continuing Education (CE) courses for RNs, LVNs, LPNs, Nurse Practitioners, and critical care nurses. See also Nurse.com for independent self-study continuing nursing education courses online and in print, including audio podcasts. They offer instant CE certificates upon course completion.

For more information on health careers, visit http://www.healthcarejobsiteblog.com/

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients.
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  • Lois Wadas
    Lois Wadas
    Many RNs are in a position of discord with the demand for BSN.  While we all take the same state board, Bsns are preferred for many nursing jobs. Young people entering the field of study are well advised to obtain BSs degrees.  There are many nurses my age, 65yrs old are not interested in returning to school. We enjoy our jobs and enjoy our work stations.  If and when a major change in the jobs market comes along.  Will we be grandfathered in?  Will there be a change in state boards, BSNs taking a different more comprehensive state exam?  Will continue to hire preferred BSNs.  I know I worked long and hard for my RN, kept up with contiuning educations along with other RNs.  What will become of us?

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