Anyone take LPN program just to make it easier to become RN?

iheartnursing_cali · Feb 25, 2006

I'm almost finally finished with my G.E. and pre-reqs for the ADN program (a&p and micro, etc.) and will be applying this fall. But while waiting, (because who knows how long I'll be waiting to be accepted since California's new point system and lottery picks, etc...) I will be taking a LPN program this august, and if I do get a call back from the college I applied to, I will back out of the LPN program and do the ADN program instead... but if I am still waiting to get accepted and I finish LPN, I will just do the LPN-RN Bridge program, where there are a lot of these days, and is faster and EASIER to get into because no waiting lists. I think that would be the fastest to get into in my opinion. I will also be getting credit for the classes I have already finished. Does anyone else think that is a good idea to do

Bizzo · Feb 26, 2006

I too have been on a waiting list for the ADN program, and it's so ridiculous! I've been on it since I graduated high school in 2003! Last year I got a call to take a position in the LPN program, and of course I took it. Alot of nurses I talked to said it really is beneficial, even if you DO have to wait longer-because you'll be working as an LPN, and you learn SO much more and feel ahead of the game when you DO get into the RN program.

You're right, there are so man demands for RN's, I wonder why there is even an LPN program anymore.

And it's so disheartening when you've just been waiting...and waiting...

SFCardiacRN · Feb 26, 2006

At first it did not sound like a good idea but I did not realize the RN schools took so long to get into. The first two replies make sense. Good luck! PS The LVNs in my school really helped me with clinicals.

clee1 · Feb 27, 2006

That is exactly why I'm in LPN school now.

I plan to immediately enroll in a distance learning LPN to ADN bridge program as soon as a pass the NCLEX-PN.

This was the cheapest, fastest way to go.

Boston-RN, RN · Feb 27, 2006

That is also exactly what I am doing (along with at least 1/2 the students in the LPN program I'm in now) Less waiting and you can work in between

hethbearpooh · Feb 27, 2006

My advice is to go for the LPN program. It will make you better prepared for the RN program and you will be ahead of all those students who werent LPN's. As soon as I graduate (April 26th woohoo) I am enrolling in the online LPN to ADN. Just somethig for you to think about.

Also...if you go LPN to RN you can work and make money as an LPN while you are in RN school!!

Hope this helps!

buddiage · Feb 27, 2006

Gosh, well, in my area, it isn't as hard as where I just moved from (moved from Washington to Missouri). In Washington, the hammer just came down from what it looks like, because the requriements to get into school was totally ridiculous. At one time, 4.0's were not getting you into programs, and you had to have a zillioin hours of volunteer experience, etc. Here in missouri, it was easier. You just get the grade per class required, and take your dosage and calculation test to get in. First come, first qualified served. I think the best thing to do depends on your area and what is important to you. I think getting your LPN will make the bridge (if you worked for a year) easier because you will have more clinical experience, but then it would take longer. I'm 32, and I don't need to take any longer :-)

I am not up for dealing with the bridge thing, personally speaking. If an ADN is possible, then why not just do it? It would actually take 6 more months to do LPN plus the bridge program where I am in Missouri.

If it is highly competitive and you have to start somewhere, then take what you can get! I would've gone anywhere that accepted me up in Washington state (LPN or RN program), but here, I applied for what I wanted. The bottom line for me was, I wanted to come out of the gates making more money, but more importantly, I didn't want anything hanging over my head like "I still have another year."

It really depends on what the competition is like and the area you are in, in addition to figuring out what YOU want. If it's a feeding frenzy trying to get in, apply to both LPN and RN programs.

nrcnurse · Feb 27, 2006

I applied to both a LPN and ADN program, and was accepted into a LPN program first. I started working as a LPN in November, and I am SO glad I've done it this way. (I only lack 3 semesters of nursing classes for my RN.) RNs have an enormous amount of responsibility, and I understand why new grads get so freaked out. I am doing 99% of a RN's job on a cardiac unit right now. (My hospital gives LPNs authority to do many things that LPNs traditionally do not do.) I learn at least 100 new things every day. It is a HUGE job. There is so much to know, and perceive, and anticipate. There really are not words to describe the enormity of the job. I know I will be a better, more knowledgeable, and more confident RN because I worked as a LPN first.

Taxminia0311 · Feb 27, 2006

I really want to take an ADN program but it is several years waiting list and very competitive in my area. However the LPN program has openings for August and it is only 12 months. There's not many LPN openings here but I've seen a lot of LPN to ADN programs with no wait-even online courses. Is this a good idea? Anyone else have any experience with this? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!

I wll be going the same rout as you I will be doing and 18 month LPN evenning program and then after I completly finish my LPN Program I will begin to work part-time while taking my R.N class online through Excelsior College. My advice to you would be to do it the way you feel is best for you, personally I would do it the way you plan to do it, just like the way I will be doing... :)

thumperRN · Feb 27, 2006

I applied to both a LPN and ADN program, and was accepted into a LPN program first. I started working as a LPN in November, and I am SO glad I've done it this way. (I only lack 3 semesters of nursing classes for my RN.) RNs have an enormous amount of responsibility, and I understand why new grads get so freaked out. I am doing 99% of a RN's job on a cardiac unit right now. (My hospital gives LPNs authority to do many things that LPNs traditionally do not do.) I learn at least 100 new things every day. It is a HUGE job. There is so much to know, and perceive, and anticipate. There really are not words to describe the enormity of the job. I know I will be a better, more knowledgeable, and more confident RN because I worked as a LPN first.

Ditto for me! I applied to both programs when I went to school and got into LPN before the RN and have to say that I am SOOOO glad. I learned so much as an LPN that better prepared me for the responsibilities that laid ahead. You will not be sorry you did it this way! :)

MimismomRN · Feb 28, 2006

I went to a private school (LVN Progam) it was expensive $18,500 but I got through it in 14 months, graduated top of class, took my boards on 2/16 and am waiting for the results (hopefully with God's help, I passed). All along I have been taking the pre-reqs for the RN program and have four more to do before going to the LVN-RN bridge program. my 21 year old is in the RN program right now. I too did not want to wait three years to get into the RN program so went this route. I think it will help to work as an LVN while I am working towards my RN. Even though I will probably be 51 or 52 when I finish I don't regret doing it this way. Good luck to all of you.