[Calidreamer]

Hi there-
I want to start by saying that I begin an LVN course in a couple of weeks. I am curious if people that go through LVN and then bridge to RN have any benefits(any kind at all) over those that do RN only. Maybe some of you have acquaintances, coworkers, family etc. to compare the two paths. I know some go into LVN first because its often faster to get in there. But other than that benefit, any others? I realize that either way you end up an RN, but this question nags at me.

Thanks for any input

[txspadequeen921]

The top 2 I can think of is pay and more opportunities. As a LVN I am looking for another job and there is 20 jobs for RN's for every 1 LVN job... hope that helps.

[Calidreamer]

Thanks for the input. Could there be any advantages to LVN-RN vs straight to RN in knowledge or experiences?

[txspadequeen921]

Well what I found with myself is ,when I went to LVN school the plan was to immediatly go to RN school and now 8 years later.. Im still waiting. Actually I have all my pre classes done but there are only a few LVN to RN bridge courses around here and the compitition is fierce. Being a LVN has given me a great base and I have learned alot that will help me when I do get to go to RN school. I dont regret being a LVN but I wish I had been able to go and spend the extra time and get my RN license. I had kids and life that required two incomes so it was easier for me to go and do a 1 years program at the time. I see you are in a LVN program... just dont stop after u graduate ..keep on keepin on..lol Good luck

[Calidreamer]

I certainly plan on bridging to RN when I graduate. Thanks for your insight. I personally think LVN experience will help with RN school when the time comes.

[pagandeva2000]

Originally Posted by Calidreamer

I certainly plan on bridging to RN when I graduate. Thanks for your insight. I personally think LVN experience will help with RN school when the time comes.

I think the benefit would be that you have the foundation of nursing and you can build from it. If you plan to enter into an RN program immediately after graduation, find out what the requirements would be to enter into the schools in your area. If they require a certain GPA, that can guide how to reach for those grades while you are in LPN school.

[rn,lmt]

I was a LPN (graduated in 88), got my RN in 91, and my BSN in 06. I am really glad I was an LPN first because I had a great deal of clinical experience in LPN school and felt that I had an advantage for my RN program. Also, since so many RN grads go from being a student to being a charge nurse in some settings, being an LPN first gave me the confidence in clinical settings that I was able to learn from rather being the one who needs to give the direction. Third, I was able to earn a decent living as a LPN while going to school for my RN. Oh yeah, my employer paid for my RN program.

[pagandeva2000]

I am nut sure if this is true, but my girlfriend who just became an RN told me that she found that she learned more skills in practical nursing school than she actually did in RN school. Also, she said that most jobs that she applied for as an RN did not orient her to basic things because it was assumed that she already knew the skills, where she actually didn't. I do find that in my orientation, they offered a pharmacology workshop only to the LPNs; and the RN orientees were a bit ****** off, because they felt that they can use a brush up as well.

[Calidreamer]

rn,lmt-

I appreciate your input. Considering that you've been through LVN, RN, and BSN, your thoughts and experiences are valuable to those of us still finding our way. In fact, I was hoping that you found your LVN experience helpful in RN training, because I almost didn't accept LVN and was going to wait for RN acceptance since I am done with all prereqs. Your message makes me glad I am going the LVN route 1st. Thanks!!

[mytimenow52]

I am a Georgia LPN that is currently taking the "scenic route" to RN. After taking a break from being an LPN to raise my children to adulthood, I was able to return to hospital work in 2003. However, I couldn't work as an LPN without first taking an LPN refresher course. I was able to work as a patient care technician for that year using the hospital where I worked at as a proctor for my clinicals/tests for the refresher course. I passed the refresher/clinicals and went on to pass my lpn-nclex exams (85 questions and that was it). I was offered to work as LPN on the same floor I trained on as PCT. I've had a great rapport and support of the RN's that I have worked with from start to finish,(even the mean nurses taught me how NOT to be). I am now starting my RN course the nontraditional way through and Excelsior. I have always believed the LPN has a better base of nursing skills than the new, fresh from school graduate RN. And that the LPN to RN bridge is much better and more well rounded nursing skills.