[jillk101]

I have been an LPN for 10 years but havn't worked much in that time. and the jobs that i have had as an LPN have been pretty weak, just kind of show up and get paid, havn't had to do much or had many experiences. But i wanted to go get my RN to increase my earning potential i'm just not sure i can pass the classes or the state boards since i've forgotten most of the LPN stuff. anyone have any words of wisdom for me.

[nurseangel47]

Hi, jillk101: Just the fact that you're going to be in a registered nurse curriculum speaks volumes for the experiences you'll get to practice in clinical. Though you won't get a taste of every specialty, you'll certainly get your feet wet again in nursing procedures and remember, most things are basic as far as using it in a different setting. i.e. sterile vs nonsterile procedures, injections, iv's, delegation to cnas and other nurses if you have any working with you, assessments, care plans, all will come back to you like riding the proverbial bicycle...GO FOR IT!
Good luck.

[ShockerGirl07]

I have no previous medical experience, and I'm doing fine in my RN classes - they really aren't that bad, and like nurseangel47 said, things will come back to you. I can't tell you how much i've learned in clinical experience. If you want it you can do it!

[oktravelnurse]

I did fine in my nursing classes and prior to becoming a nurse I was an accountant. You will do fine.

[dodgerla]

I'm sure you can pass. There are people with absoluteyly no experience who get through school, so I am sure you can. Beleive in yourself!

[queenjean]

I am in an LPN to RN program; if you go that route, you might consider doing some sort of review before you enter. Our program builds on what you learned in LPN school--meaning they assume you know and understand that, and it won't typically be reviewed. So if you haven't been working or keeping up in some other manner, you might indeed find it a struggle. I've been out of LPN school for 7 years, and have worked on a medical floor and in an office, and I was very glad for the experience. I know there are many in my class who have been out of school for a long time, working in a non-acute setting who are struggling.

If you go to a BSN program, you won't have any problem, as your prior knowledge won't be assumed.

I don't know if any of the community colleges offer an LPN refresher course; you might check around and see if that is an option. Another option would be to get hired on at a hospital on the medical or surgical floor, or in the ER. You would get a refresher there, too, brush up on your skills, and then be more confident in your entry to an LPN to RN program.

Good Luck!

J