Is LVN/LPN really harder than RN?

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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Hi,

My school makes the LVN program sound so much harder than the RN program. They say its very intense and the director even told me that the RN was easier and more manageable. I was thinking of doing LVN first since it doesnt require pre reqs. I was enrolled for two classes but decided to drop my classes. I have a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old so it was really hard. It was mainly the algebra that was kicking my butt. I have no idea about how to do that stuff and don't get it very easy. It was taking many hrs a day for just that class and I had my 2 yr old standing at my door crying for me the whole time I was studying. It was rough so I have decided to wait till she is in kindergarten to do anything. I have not taken the accuplacer test yet and hope I can learn the algebra enough on my own to pass that test. Then I would not have to take any dev algebra classes at all.

Anyhow, is LVN really harder? Its crazy that it would be but I have heard it from a lot of people. I thought this board would be a perfect place to ask this since most have already been to LVN. I am so unsure of what to do first. I hate wasting time but there is not way I can study with a 2 yr old. My 5 yr old is fine and plays on her own or with her dad but the 2yr old is such a mamas girl. LOL

Brandi

Specializes in behavioral health.

I went in reverse. I started out to be an RN, but failed a med-surg course. So, I transferred as advanced placement in LPN program. So, for me, LPN was easier. But, I am sure it is because of my RN training prior to it.

And, for me, the college courses were easier. On the nursing exams, you have to pick the best answer. Two answers can apply to the situation, but you have to narrow it down to the answer they are looking for in the particular question. But, that is how the NCLEX is. I walked out scratching my head after the nclex. I, thought that I did really good, or really bad. I was afraid that I did bad, however, I passed.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
The program here does not require it either but the college required me to take it because I didnt pass the math part of the Tasp test. Here in Texas they passed laws that you have to meet TSI requirements so I have to take it or pass the math section of the entrance exam for college. So I guess I am kinda stuck. Uggghhh
I'm in the same boat as you. I have all of my prereqs done for RN bridge programs in my area, but I failed the math portion of the Accuplacer. My only options are to take the remedial math classes at my local CC, attempt to retake and pass the math portion of the Accuplacer, or attend the RN program at a for-profit trade school that does not require algebra.

I think its about the same here....our LPN program is 16 months and we are in clinic at the hospital 3 days a week. The local university that has the BSN program....is only at the hospital 1 day a week. The nurses we work with at the hospital say we come out of school knowing more and having more experience due to being in clinic more....but I think its just the fact that our instructor runs this program a certain way...because the other programs locally...dont get as much clinic time as us. I think the other BSN students know it...its just that we have more hands on. Also, in clinic....we have to carry 5 patients a piece....and the BSN students just hang out...they arent required by there program to even have a patient load....

So I really think its all in who runs the program and how it is ran. Here the difference in the cirrculum......... there are more classes toward management and humanities in the BSN programs.

I have 3 kids under the age of 5 so I totally understand the crying at the door thing....I just started waking up earlier and studying in the AM when they were still asleep. It worked out better for me because the info was fresh on my mind due to just studying it.

I am doing the same thing. It sucks, but to have decent time to study I get up before my 2 year old....usually around 5am. I am fresh and retain more, and can carry my notes around the rest of the day to go over it...instead of panicking all day and trying to study in the evening when I'm exhausted and just want to spend time with my husband.

I'd also rather make that sacrifice and choose to do an online program than attend class for much more time, and send my son to daycare all day. Online courses are a great option for parents.

It's hard. And I think I can say the Rn program I am doing is harder than my LPN program was because now I'm a mom. Content wise, no difference - LPN school was hard because it was totally new, RN stuff is hard because there's more detail and theory application.

Situation? Totally different. It's difficult to be a mom and take on a project that important and involved.

It's important to find a program and a system that will work for your family, and swallow that things might not work out like you'd hope they would. It's hard to accept, trust me, I'm there, that you're making the right decision - your kids are much more important, and it is OK to do things at your OWN pace. Ie what it best for your family, your situation, and most importantly, YOU....without the stress of worrying that you're a failure for not doing it the way you'd like.

I wouldn't feel bad if you decide to wait until your child goes to school. I doubt you will look back and wish you had spent less time with your child!

All the best,

Vida

:redbeathe

Specializes in LTC, cardiac, ortho rehab.

i havent been in the rn program yet, but coworkers of mine who started off as lvns stated that the lvn part was the hardest part. they lvn-rn is simple compared to the lvn part. i dont know if thats true but i am guessing its due to the fact that they had experience coming into the lvn-rn bridge and also because lvn's are expected to have a basic knowledge of all systems and diseases. i dont know if thats true but its just my speculation.

I was enrolled in a RN program and failed one of my courses and insted of waiting for the class to roll around again i decided to do the lpn route. The school i attend doesnt transfer nursing credits so i am having to take them over and i have to say the lpn is harder not the content really because its all the same its just the time you have to learn it in is rediculous. We are in 5 week rotations and we have at least 2 tests per class (2 classes) a week and each test is on 6-10 chps. So it is a challenge keeping up.But you do get used to it.

1 Votes

I'm in a LPN program and have a RN seat for the Jan '09 class. I attend a community college, and the programs are in the same building, and the LPN students interact quite a bit with the RN students. The RN program is with a lot more flexibility and time to complete the same concepts we as LPNs have to learn. The difference I hear is that theory is considered, with a lot more papers, etc. But, the time to delve into the subject for a longer time would only help when it comes to the exams!

I've been in the LPN program since Jan, and I've completed all basic skills of passing meds, all assessments, and have my IV certification competency exam in two weeks. We complete all skills early on, complete fundamentals and pharmacology (and of course clinicals, too) all at once. It's extremely intensive. We are a class of 28, and I know of 6 people who are already rescheduling pharm for this summer (which will set them back two semesters, but can then complete the program after passing pharm) and I am afraid to imagine the people who aren't passing, but are not telling everyone about it (I know I wouldn't!).

The people in my program who work are really struggling (if passing at all). I don't know many RN students (actually none) who don't work at least part-time. This tells me something, for what it's worth!

Specializes in Day program consultant DD/MR.

Our DON stated almost the same thing but IMO its like said in OP my LVN program was an accelerated 12month program. I really do not think the content is harder than RN I'm sure they learn more in most RN programs vs the LVN program as they have a bigger scope of practice. I think LVN may seem harder because it is a shorter period of time and alot of material to cover.

I personally am enrolled right now in a 10 month program, almost a 9 month. We are the test group to shorten the program, which I was not informed until the first day. With no experience as a CNA, just got my certificate to get in, it is extremly hard. Regular college was easier with 15 hrs, (college algebra), working 50 hrs with 3 kids all in sports.

The information is shoved @ you so fast that you don't have time to process it all before you are getting new material shoved @ you. Be prepared to have no life except with a book shoved in your face.

Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

i have been through lpn school and rn. i think the rn was much harder. granted i was 20 going through lpn school and 44 getting my rn. best of luck.

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