Any RN Bridge Plans?

zo2fan4ever · Dec 6, 2005

I am enrolled to start pre-nursing classes for a RN bridge program at my local community college in Jan.'06. And looking forward to it.

luv4nursing · Dec 7, 2005

I just graduated in September and took boards in October. I wanted to go to the LPN-RN bridge at either of the local communty colleges in January but the time of year we graduated was off so I missed the application period. Since I dont want to wait a year until next January, Im enrolling in Excelsior (distance learning). God willing I will make it thru the CPNE and I hope to be finished (as in done with CPNE and possible even boards) by next January. That woud be a whole year sooner I could work as an RN.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2005

Just make sure you state recognizes Excelsior. I dont think my state does. However, whats wrong with working in the LPN role for a year,, waiting for your next open application period at your CC?

There is nothing like experience to engrain your knowledge base and make you better at what you do.

suebird3 · Dec 7, 2005

i agree w/ meown. experience is good...and gives you confidence.

suebird

luv4nursing · Dec 7, 2005

Just make sure you state recognizes Excelsior. I dont think my state does. However, whats wrong with working in the LPN role for a year,, waiting for your next open application period at your CC?
There is nothing like experience to engrain your knowledge base and make you better at what you do.

Yes, FL accepts EC as long as u are an LPN (no RTs or paramedics). I guess Im just "over it" as far as waiting. I feel like Ive been waiting my life away to be a nurse. Ive been trying to go to either LPN or RN school since I was 21-22, Im now 25 and finally went to LPN school last year. Im also ready to start a family but I would prefer to get my RN first. So I kinda feel like why put off till tomorrow what u can do today. Who knows what may happen in the next year that could keep me from going back, or I could just get in a comfort zone and put it off till "later" then later will be 10 years. All the LPNs and RNs I know tell me go back to school NOW while I still can and while Im still motivated to do it and dont put it off. Besides, by the time Im finished Ill have a year or so under my belt. I will still have more experience than new grad RNs who are just entering the field. I plan to also ease my way into it by getting an exernship or residency that will help me to develop any skills Im lacking, instead of jumping in and being thrown to the wolves. Most of my teachers say RN school is just like LPN school except you go into more detail as far as theory.

anbreen · Dec 10, 2005

CA USED to accept EC, but not since 2003.

BennyFan · Dec 25, 2005

I am an LPN who after many years is in a bridge program LPN-BSN. By the time I'm finished it will have taken me 14 years to finish. I do think getting some experience is good, I am in a program with new grad LPN's and it is easier for me with the years of experience that I have - age also helps. There is less "people pleasing" when you are working with prof's who are in your age group. Good luck in whatever you decide - my advise - def. get it done before kids, that is why it took me so long.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2005

Good luck in whatever you decide - my advise - def. get it done before kids, that is why it took me so long.

But better late than never.

BTW welcome to the site!

kathyann · Jan 2, 2006

Actually, California accepts an Excelsior degree. I have an Excelsior degree, and a California license.

Fact is, I worked as a travel nurse, and had no problems with any state accepting my excelsior degree, although I did not practice in Illinois, had no desire to!

Kathy

iheartnursing_cali · Feb 28, 2006

I guess my situations kinda weird....

I actually finished all my G.E. as well as pre-reqs for the ADN program at my CC. and will be applying this fall, however, I will also be applying to a LVN/LPN program this August also, so if the CC I applied to has not accepted me into the RN program yet, I will finish the LVN program. And after graduating and passing the NCLEX, I can enroll into the LVN-RN Bridge at a local vocational nursing school (after working for 6 months, which is required) and receive my ADN there instead... but only if the CC I applied to has not accepted me into their RN program.

So basically, I'm kinda going backwards, finishing my pre-reqs, then taking the LVN program to become a LVN, then taking the LVN-RN Bridge, then becoming a RN.

I've just been stressing off what I'm going to do. I actually attended at vocational nursing school for LVN before going back to a CC about 3 yrs ago and doing all my G.E. and pre-reqs, but only finished the vocational school's pre-req requirements for their program then backed out to go back to a CC to become a RN instead (Now I keep thinking to myself, WAS I CRAZZZY?? I would've been working as a LVN already). Because now it seems like forever to become a RN, and I'm having doubts if I'm ever going to be accepted into any RN Prgoram, So I'm thinking... is this the fastest way to go. Plus, I know I will be ahead of the game once I am in the LVN-RN Bridge program, because I would have more knowledge and experience.

Need your opinions..... PLEASE!!

LanaBanana · Feb 28, 2006

I already have all my gen eds completed, now am working on the sciences. I will start the LPN program in May and plan to take 1 science class each semester while doing that program to finish those up. I would love to have all my sciences completed by the time I finish LPN! The school I'm going to do LPN-BSN program requires 1 year of work experience for LPNs before starting and after so many years of school, it would be nice to take a year off! I've already sworn to myself though that I only get 1 year off and then I WILL do the bridge.