Like many of the states in the country, Delaware has a nursing shortage that will worsen due to both a lack of nursing faculty and the increased healthcare demands of an aging population. Currently, there are almost 10,000 RNs working in Delaware, with a mean annual salary of about $71,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The most popular work settings are hospitals (over 50 percent), long-term care facilities (about 8 percent) and doctor's offices (about 5 percent).
To help meet the demand for RNs, both LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN programs are available in Delaware. Some offer online classes and flexible schedules to meet the needs of working LPNs.
Paying for your education may be a challenge. Because the nursing shortage is most acutely felt at hospitals, they are more likely to offer tuition reimbursement as a benefit. In addition, the Delaware Community Foundation is a good resource for scholarships. Check out the Delaware Nurses Association, Delaware Student Nurses' Association, and the Delaware Board of Nursing for more information about being an RN.
Some LPN to RN programs to consider:
Delaware State University (Dover, DE). LPNs may waive up to seven credits toward their BSN based on demonstrated subject knowledge, and they may also challenge other courses in which they have prior experience.
Beebe School of Nursing (Lewes, DE). This school is affiliated with Beebe Medical Center and is one of the few remaining diploma programs in the country. They offer an advanced placement option for LPNs.
Delaware Technical and Community College (Dover, DE). DTCC has multiple campuses and offers both a full-time, day and part-time, evening ADN program for LPNs pursuing advanced placement.
