Nursing is an incredible career path because of its diversity—every workday is different, patients come from all walks of life, and the opportunities to grow and expand one’s knowledge are vast.

For most, the nursing career path doesn’t come to a halt after earning that cherished “RN” or “LPN” title. In fact, these credentials are often just the beginnings, or entry points, to a long-term nursing career. If you are a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), rest assured that growth opportunities are ahead.

It’s for this reason that many people get into and enjoy the nursing field so much. Upward mobility, or opportunities for advancement, is a commonly cited reason for nurses’ job satisfaction. Nurses have the potential to continue their education, specialize in dedicated fields of medicine, and earn an increasingly high salary.

The question is: How? How can nurses grow in the profession, stand out to employers, and take their skills (and salary) to the next level? Let’s find out!

How to Grow in the Nursing Profession

If you want to stand out to employers, whether for a promotion in your current workplace or to pursue your dream job, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips for taking your career to the next level, as an entry-level nurse.

Expand your education and skills.

The most obvious opportunity to stand out to employers and advance in the nursing field is to further your education.

Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses are usually entry-level positions, and while they have longevity and can be extremely rewarding, they’re often stepping stones to long-term career growth. To future-proof your career, consider what the next level of nursing school can do for you.

As an LPN, for example, a Registered Nursing program is an obvious next step. RNs have significantly more autonomy than LPNs when it comes to patient care, with a broader scope of practice that comes with higher salary potential. To become an RN, an associate degree in Nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) is required.

If you are a seasoned RN, your next step will depend on your educational level. RNs with an associate degree might consider a bachelor’s program to advance into leadership and specialized roles. Now, we know what you’re thinking—a BSN degree is a big commitment. The good news for RNs, though, is that this does not require another four years in school. RNs can earn their bachelor’s degree in as little as 12 months part-time and online at Goodwin through our RN-to-BSN program. This means you can continue working while pursuing an advanced degree.

Already have a bachelor’s in Nursing? Your next step might be graduate school! BSN-educated nurses can pursue a master’s degree in Nursing or APRN degree to advance their skills and knowledge even further, leading to rewarding positions in primary care and management settings, and more.

Pursue certification or specialization.

Whether you’re an LPN or RN, there are also opportunities to specialize and become certified in certain areas of the field. Professional certifications can boost your credentials and reputation in the workforce, increase your salary potential, and open doors to advancement opportunities that you couldn’t access before. Additionally, these pathways allow you to deepen your expertise and improve patient outcomes all the while. There are benefits of certification all around.

As you look for nursing growth opportunities here, it’s important to look inwards first: From your experience in nursing so far, what has interested you most? Is there a certain area of medicine or patient demographic that you feel passionate about? Whether it’s pediatrics or oncology, there’s most likely an opportunity to specialize in your field of interest.

Below are some examples of available specialized certifications for nurses, depending on your current credentials.

Certification possibilities for RNs include:

• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
• Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
• Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN)
• Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
• Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

Certification options for LPNs include:

• IV Certification
• Gerontology Certification
• Long-term Care Certification
• Pharmacology Certification
• Wound Care Certification

Specific Growth Opportunities in Nursing

Your growth opportunities in nursing will largely depend on where you’re at in your current career. For example, Registered Nurses with an associate degree will need to take different steps than those with a bachelor’s degree (depending on the end goal). Here are some job growth opportunities, based on each level of nursing.

Are you an LPN?

Licensed Practical Nursing is a great way to enter the field of nursing, but as you probably have found, the level of autonomy for LPNs is fairly low. If you’re looking to advance into a nursing position where you can coordinate treatment plans, administer medications, and really impact patients’ care journeys, you might consider becoming a Registered Nurse.

Transitioning from an LPN to RN credential can be relatively straightforward, given you already have some knowledge and course credits under your belt. Learn about the process at Goodwin, here.

Are you an RN with an associate degree?

Today, over 70 percent of Registered Nurses have at least a bachelor’s degree in hand. If you are going to stand out against the rest, you should consider pursuing a Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN). Not only will it make you more competitive, it will also show employers that you’re ready for an advanced role. The AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) states that close to 3 in 4 employers now express a strong preference for nurses with a bachelor’s degree. Among 28% of employers, a BSN degree is a standard requirement for nurses. A BSN is required for jobs like:

• Nurse manager
• Military nurse
• Nurse researcher
• Oncology nurse
• Mental health nurse
• Nurse educator

Are you an RN with a bachelor’s degree?

What if you have a bachelor’s degree, but are looking to advance even further in your career trajectory? Registered Nurses can become nurse practitioners, a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), as well as nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse administrators with a graduate degree in hand. A master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) is a common next step for advancement, with specialized programs available depending on your desired career path.

For those who love patient care, becoming a nurse practitioner is a great opportunity. These professionals can act as primary care providers and coordinate entire treatment plans for patients in need. Advanced practice positions to consider include, but are not limited to:

• Emergency Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

And more!

Opportunities for Nursing Salary Growth

Nursing salaries range depending on your title and level of training and education, as well as the state in which you work.

For Registered Nurses, typical starting salaries fall in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. However, RN salaries can grow to more than $135,000 per year, depending on your location and specialty. On average in the U.S., Registered Nurses earn a median salary of $93,600 per year. This is significantly higher than the median salary for LPNs, which falls around $62,000 per year.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs have the highest earning potential in government and medical manufacturing positions. However, for those who advance into APRN and administrative roles, the pay potential is also significant.

Nurse practitioners and nurse midwives in the United States earn a median salary of about $129,000 annually, while nurse anesthetists earn upwards of $220,000 per year. Again, these salaries can vary depending on your place of work, with the highest earnings often secured in hospital settings.

Nursing Growth Opportunities Await—Take the Next Step

About 80 percent of Registered Nurses feel satisfied in their roles, but it’s not uncommon for nurses to want more. National statistics show that the vast majority of RNs who do move on from their job still remain in the nursing field. About 1 in 4 RNs leave their careers because of a promotion or advancement opportunity.

If you’re ready for something new, and think you’ve got what it takes to grow, now is the time to give it a go. Nurses are needed at all levels of the profession, and those with the education and skills to back up their credentials will be well-positioned for success.

Let Goodwin University help you grow in your nursing career. Explore our flexible RN-to-BSN and MSN program options, where you can earn an advanced nursing degree while still maintaining your income and career.