Thinking it's time to get my RN

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2009

It's nice to have you back!

I'm doing an LPN-to-RN program at a trade school.

Jules A, MSN · Jan 30, 2009

Hi,

I was accepted into a brick/morter LPN to BSN program at a local university but decided to go the ADN route first. I wanted to have something in my hand and be able to work as a RN asap. I'm now taking classes toward my BSN and happy with my decision. Good luck with whatever you decide. Jules

psych4u · Jan 30, 2009

Hi, just wanted to say that I tried the LPN to BSN route and ended up quitting because I got so frustrated at the timeframe. I began to realize that with just a few more classes I could be practicing as an RN, making $15-20 more per hour in some cases, and gathering new experiences. I have been pigeon-holed for so long as an LPN that I started at Excelsior college and just got my official transcript results today. The only thing standing between me and an RN at this point is the clinical weekend and six classes. That's it!!! RN here I come!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2009

I did it via Excelsior, online. It depends on your state, though.

Good luck! I think it's a wise move.

Sensoria17 · Feb 1, 2009

I just finished LVN school and haven't even taken boards yet. I plan on taking prereqs at the local CC starting in the fall and then doing either ISU or transferring to San Jose State (if I can get in).

Medsport, LPN · Feb 1, 2009

For those who went or are going the Excelsior route, what do you think? I thought about it, but not sure I can push myself enough like in a "real" class with deadlines and such. And what about the clinical weekend? I'm worried that I would'nt do very good not having any practice like you do at a brick/morter school. Plus I don't do a lot of skills at my present job at a jail except for BP, BS, and a few dressing changes. I also heard if you mess up once during the clinical part you fail, is that true? btw, I really need to make more money as I can barely pay the bills now with the school loans and I'm already getting burnt out at the jail...

AntFlip7395 · Feb 1, 2009

Yes, depending on the state you live and work in, LPN can be limited. I live in Ohio where the scope of practice is pretty limited, so I have never regretted going back to school for my RN. Besides that, I would not want to do practically everything an RN does for LPN pay, and there tends to be a significant difference. JMHO.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2009

For those who went or are going the Excelsior route, what do you think? I thought about it, but not sure I can push myself enough like in a "real" class with deadlines and such. And what about the clinical weekend? I'm worried that I would'nt do very good not having any practice like you do at a brick/morter school. Plus I don't do a lot of skills at my present job at a jail except for BP, BS, and a few dressing changes. I also heard if you mess up once during the clinical part you fail, is that true? btw, I really need to make more money as I can barely pay the bills now with the school loans and I'm already getting burnt out at the jail...

Look around the Distance Learning Forum. A lot of us have done it.

I loved it, but I am very self-motivated and hated nursing school with a passion. The forum helped, too, with motivation. I call it everyone there my virtual classmates.

I failed the clinical the first time around on nerves, not skills.

Check out the forum.

:)

amjowens · Feb 1, 2009

It doesn't seem like a great time for the LPN profession (overall--I know very regional). I just graduated from an LPN program, but am already in a regular ADN program (started a few weeks ago). I had applied to this about a year ago, but with the wait list, the LPN made sense. And, I'm really glad I did it--I already have a job as a grad nurse until I take my NCLEX-PN, and have learned a great deal. I feel that I'll be a better nurse because of the LPN, most importantly. My RN courses are SO review, but then again, I'm doing the regular, not bridge. It never hurts to go over the stuff we learned as LPNs, but really, with the pay and job opps so different for the LPN vs. the RN, it would be a shame to not do the RN if you AT ALL you have the ability/opport/desire to do so. I mean, it's not as thought the "system" is changing, so it's us adapting, or things as they are for LPNs. The way things are for LPNs in my area are not good-job vulnerability and almost no hospital job opps.

caliotter3 · Feb 1, 2009

My advice is to do it now. If you wait, all kinds of life situations can get in the way and you will just be getting older. When you reach a certain stage in your career it starts to become a moot point. You will gain the most advantage from getting that degree sooner rather than later.

bmwkim · Feb 2, 2009

I'm in the LVN to BSN program online with indiana state university. I'll be finish in Spring 2010. So far I like the program, only thing I find hard at times is alot of RN at the hospital I work with only have a ADN and for this program you need an RN with a BSN to preceptor you.