The need for LPN to RN Programs for the working LPN in MA

[drmorton2b]

Most LPNS work enough hours to pay their bills. I fail to understand why any colleges in Massachusetts, Southern NH, RI and CT have true LPN to RN programs for the working LPN. I think the reason why they don't is because of the availability of clinical sites and required clinical hours. Clinical Sites I am sure require a lot of behind the scenes negotiations to be on good terms with. Plus too many nursing schools in some areas.

I thought I was home free when I read about Salem, MA State (a very good school) University's LPN to BSN program. It is nothing more then a "day nursing program" masking as a night program. You can only take the prereqs and night time when it comes time to go to hit the floors and books you go to school in the day time full time just like any other BSN student. Its a start.

I respect Excelsior Grads. If MA excepts Excelsior for RN then why can't the community colleges offer similar programs that preserve the clinicals without making it impossible to work?

However, nothing beats clinical. I mean if the colleges were to actually remove us from the class room and have us only go to school for tests and receive lectures via webcam/youtube style with online power points. This could free up 3 days or so a week so us LPNs can work 24 hours or so a week and at least maintain a foot in the door at our current places of employment.

Labs are pointless since most LPNs will easily test out of Nursing 101 labs/practicum.

I doubt it will ever happen around here. There is a new program under development at

Fitchburg State University

Pathway to Nursing

To create a streamlined LPN to bachelor's program

I don't know much about it. I do have a feeling it will be more of the same as Salem State.

I wish the RN programs would let us us our LPN license like the RN-BSN students do when they can come into a clinical site and work with a preceptor. LPNs can't do IV push in MA.. but most Hospitals in the area do not allow nursing students to push IV meds anyway so its moot.

Besides care plan writing, more advanced A&P and to some extent slightly different more focused assessment skills I fail to understand why LPN to RN programs in MA (we can do everything an RN can do but IV Push) can't be set up to mirror an RN-BSN Program clinical wise.

[SPNJennMomof4]

I understand as I am an LPN student now... live in Western MA and school in CT I want to go on for my RN but almost impossible finding a good LPN to RN bridge program! Have found many very accessible RN to BSN programs in my area tho Dont they want LPNs to further their education and be able to do more?