Need advice about getting my RN at a later date

[animal1993]

Hello all! I am due to start the LPN program in Jan., and just found out that the school I have enrolled in may not be the best learning experience. I really don't want to have start over in the enrollment process at a different school, but I also don't want to waste my time or money if going there is going to hurt me in the long run. I've heard that it's nearly impossible to transfer credits between schools if you decide to switch later. My question is this: How difficult would it be to get my RN at a later date, at a different school, if I decide my school isn't the experience I want, and if I go ahead and get my LPN license? (I wouldn't have to worry about transferring credits that way, right?) Thanks for any info you may have!

[Jules A, MSN]

Hi,

Even with your LPN you will have to transfer gen ed credits and have your nursing courses accepted by a new school. I didn't find it to be a problem going from one CC to another and I was also accepted into a LPN to BSN program at a local university. Unless your school costs a fortune or is not cleared with your state's BON I'd probably stick it out if you can go right into the RN bridge. Even in a great school you will find learning experiences vary by the luck of the draw patient wise, facility, instructors etc. To me nursing school is about being able to get your BONs approval to take NCLEX. Most of the learning is done once you get out there and get a job, imo. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[animal1993]

Do you think it makes any difference to prospective employers what school you graduated from? My school is extremely new and few people have even heard of it. I've also heard that clinical sites have become very hard to come by for the school.

[Jules A, MSN]

In my area, where the nursing shortage is pretty strong, I have not heard of a school that has a bad reputation and would cause someone problems getting hired. What is it like in your area? Maybe ask around a bit and see if you can find the inside story.