LPN Petition to Take RN Boards

I'll be honest since I have just taken my RN bridge I think there is quite a bit of value in the extra formal education. My program was a pretty painless short summer mostly independent study class and then the last two semesters of the RN program. I worked the entire time and it only cost just over $1,000 a semester so imo that isn't an unbearable sacrifice if LPNs want to get their RN. I would be infavor of testing out or skipping some of the mundane clinical skills depending on which area the LPN has experience with but I think the theory classes really expanded on what I learned in LPN school.

I agree with the above post. I do not support the idea of LPNs challenging the NCLEX-RN. Just because an individual has experience as an LPN,it does not equal the education that is received in that additional RN training. I feel qualified to speak on this matter as I was an LPN for 12 years before I got my RN. If you want the additional opportunities, salary, and responsibility that comes with RN liscensure, then go back to school.

Excelsior College is a wonderful option.....that is how I got my RN.

I know I will be flamed for this, but there IS a difference in education and practice between LPN's and RN's. Knowing how to perform a task is not the same as understanding the rationales and disease process behind it.

Before the bullets fly at me--I am in no way denigrating the masses of talented LPN's practicing in the US. I AM saying that OJT is not always the best way to learn. I am an experienced RN, but in no way qualified to sit for medical boards just because I can second guess most interns. I don't have the education, and it matters.

It really wasn't bad because I already had all my prereq's done. (I had AA degree from a community college here in Florida). So I just had to do the nursing exams and the CPNE. I have nothing but WONDERFUL things to say about Excelsior...and I would encourage anyone to pursue a degree from them. I know about $$$ issues and time constraints, too. I also have 3 children. It can be done.... ! Good luck! I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For what it's worth, my personal experience has been that it's the LPNs who haven't returned to school who think this is a reasonable idea. All the RNs I've known who started out as LPNs and went back to school say they never realized until they went back to school how much difference there really was between LPNs and RNs.

Personally, I would never support such a proposal.