Relatively new LPN going for RN

[jensmomrn11]

I have been an LPN for less than 1 year now. Since May of '09, I have been working part time in LTC. I still have the new nurse jitters and am still unsure of myself. I know that I still have a lot to learn. I am about to start an LPN-RN bridge program in 2 weeks. My question is, do you think going for my RN at this time is a good idea? Will it help me with my skills and help me gain confidence in myself? Or do you think that I should have waited until I became more comfortable as a nurse before continuing on for the RN? I guess that I am hoping that going back to school will help me. Maybe I will improve my assessment skills and learn which lung sounds are normal and which are not (something that I am still learning).

Has anybody else gone right into an RN program as a new LPN and how did you do?

[Jules A, MSN]

I did and was pleased to realize that I was way ahead of the 2nd year RN students I joined. It wasn't nearly as scary as I thought it would be and I sailed through. The material isn't new its just more indepth which I really liked. Good luck.

[Up2nogood RN, RN]

I agree with Jules. I went straight to a bridge program after I received my LPN. It will be easier when the material is still fairly fresh in your mind. Good luck, you'll be happy you did it believe me!

[tothepointeLVN, LVN]

This is what I plan to go. I was planning to get more experience as an LVN but the work just isn't giving me experience or all that money so to spend a few years like this is death by 1000 papercuts.

[Lovely_RN, MSN]

Go for it.

I started RN school after being licensed for less than 90 days as an LPN. The year was tough but I'm so glad I sucked it up and went back right away.

The extra money and expanded work opportunities are worth the effort. Those two letters RN increased my annual salary by 26k!

[amjowens]

I think it's best to go back asap. I didn't even take my NCLEX yet before starting a regular ADN program, not bridge. I just kept open mind, like all new material so that I didn't get into thinking I "already know". I think that working as a LPN while going to school has been great because I'm out practicing my skills as a nurse while getting intensive, in-depth training on how to expand upon my knowledge/skills. I'm starting my third semester of

my program, hope to be finished in Dec 2010. I am so thankful, love what I'm doing. I work full-time and go to school full-time. My classroom courses are online, but clinicals weekly, in addition to skills labs, required hours, etc.