[BoskoB]

I have a question to post regarding the transition from LPN to RN. I have been a LPN for 6.5 years now and will be graduating in December with my RN degree. Can anyone out there tell me about their experiences with this? I'm having difficulty grasping that definitive line.

[gardeningluver]

I transitioned as an LPN to RN, I have approx 10 weeks left to go! The work and clinicals were not difficult for me. Most things review with more depth. The part that was hard for me was coming into a group a RN students during their third semester. Our transition program is for LPN's and Paramedics - class was definately divided. The existing class wanted nothing to do with us. Pretty much bugged we were even there. Felt it from the instructors as well! Not all of them were on board with the how whole transition thing-made it extremely diffucult. I felt I constantly had to lay low Hopefully you won't have to deal with this. Don't be afraid of the work - you're soo ahead of the game in that area! Good Luck !

[Jules A]

Congratulations and best of luck to you.

[traumaRUs]

I was an LPN for two years when I finished the LPN to ADN transition program. Personally, I thought the NCLEX-RN was a piece of cake (and back then 1994, maybe it was). I walked in, sat down, 20 minutes later and 75 questions later, out the door I went. However...couldn't get a job to save me...so continued working as an LPN in the NH for almost six months till I could find an RN hospital position.

[BoskoB]

I've kept that option in mind as well. Most of the job openings available at the hospital are 12 hr nights and that is not an option for me. If necessary I could stay employed at the NH I am currently working at as a RN until a position I desire becomes available. Why didn't you work as a RN at the NH??

[windyspirit]

I, too, am new to this forum. I work as an LPN in a LTC facility, and am transitioning to RN. I'm in my final semester and counting the days til Dec 14 - hoping I don't make any horrible mistakes!! Wouldn't that be awful?? I'm worried about the NCLEX, also. LPN didn't seem so bad, after it was over, hoping RN is the same.
When you say NH, is that New Hampshire? I'm in Idaho, and there doesn't seem to be any problem getting RN positions here.
Anyway, nice talking to you.

[General E. Speaking, RN]

I am transitioning after being a LVN for (gulp) 17 years. The transitioners (10 of us) started in the summer and merged with the 2 yr generic students (20 of them). We are all considered sophomores and on the same level now. I can tell you that the LVNs have a definite advantage. The generics do pretty well as far as test taking (book knowledge) but there is no substitute for experience. I am a Med Surg/Tele nurse by trade but am doing OB rotation now. Even though it has been years since I massaged a fundus, I am very comfortable at clinicals and sometimes feel for the generics- it must be terribly overwhelming at times. We are somewhat divided, but I don't feel any tension from the instructors. In fact, I think the instructor that we have is less stressed at clinicals with the LVNs simply because we do know things and are more assertive.

Good luck!

[windyspirit]

Kriso - that was good information. I, too, have the experience behind me and can see the difference with the generics. It is so good to have personal knowledge, and the comfort zone, to know how to go into a room and interact with the patient. And to have the experience of associating with doctors and other nurses.

[General E. Speaking, RN]

Amazing difference between generics and transitioners- I about fell over when we broke up into groups and one of the generics asked me, "Phenergan is spelled with an 'F', right?" I guess I just take things for granted...

[manature]

I have been a LPN since 1980 and soon will be an empty nester. I am thinking of going back to school for my ADN. I sure could use some suggestions. I live in the Cleveland ohio area
thanks!!