LPN Program Easier than RN Program?

[Donald11]

I was wondering what the main differences between an LPN and RN program are (besides length). Is an LPN program any easier than an RN program? Are there any LPN classes that have a reputation for being intense? Do LPN programs go less in-depth than RN programs? Do LPN programs have a higher graudation rate than RN ones?

[kcochrane]

I found LPN school pretty challenging even with being an EMT for 15 years and a CNA for a few years. RN school was a bit easier for me, since it built on my LPN knowledge. But in some ways it was harder, being a LPN and having a different scope. I think both are difficult in their own ways.

LPN school was M-F 40 hours/week for 10 months. So that in itself was intense. Once we started clinicals, we had those 3 days/week, 7 hours long. RN school was different, I went part time and by the time I got to nursing school, I only had to go 2 days/week. One clinical day and 4 hours of class.

Personally I think comparing the two are like comparing apples to oranges.

I thought about going the Excelsior route, but since I was working in LTC, there were many skills I needed to learn (i.e. IV). I also didn't want all my hopes riding on one weekend clinical.

Forgot to add - I thought RN school would be a piece of cake given I already had my LPN..yeah I was wrong.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

As an RN student, I would just like to say that we don't have 2-4 years "to sit back and let it soak in". That statement is REALLY offensive. I have worked my ass off in school and have NEVER had the chance "to sit back and let it soak in"

I never said anything about anyone "sitting back." You threw those words in and were the first ones to use them.

[emtoh17]

Okay, I am not here to have a ******* match with you, However you did say that you did not have 2-4 years to let it soak in. So since you want to have a war of the words..thats fine. But like I previously stated, I and other RN students do not have 2-4 years to "let it soak in" we work just as hard as anyone else... So who are you to make that type of broad statement. Everyone in this journey sacrifices so much, so for you to come along and make that statement, it is very offending. I feel the same today about your statement as I did when you made it wether you said "sitting back" or not, which I'm not sure how adding or subtracting these two words changes the context of the overall statement?? But if correcting me on this petty mistake makes feel better, I am glad I could assist in you happiness. So with that being said my only suggestioon to you Commuter is maybe chose your words a little more wisely the next time you are making such broad statements that encompasses more than yourself. Have a Great Day!!:tku:

[MrsBradyMom]

I think we are getting differences of opinion from those that have bridged LPN-RN and those that have just gone straight RN. You can't possibly know how tough a program is unless you've tried it. That being said, I think the OP can get a fairly accurate idea of what's what from the replies.

Since I have just started the bridge to RN, I will only comment on MY LPN program. It was very intense and required huge amounts of hours, just like everyone else has stated. 24 hours a week of clinicals and 16 hours for lecture for an entire year. This is in addition to 4-8 hours per week spent in the sim lab. I also had to take English, Psych, Bio, Math, Soc, etc. before I entered the program.

I wonder how many programs focus their teaching around what kind of jobs LPN's will hold in the community? In my area, we have LTC, Rehab, Psych....but no med-surg in a hospital. While we had rotations in peds, L&D, and med-surg, they were not "heavy" rotations.

[pamelafrazierlpn]

It's still an intense program. You have to learn a great deal in a short amount of time. Going from LPN to RN also makes you more prepared. especially if you work for a little while before your Rn classes.