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

TopCat1234 · Feb 28, 2006

this is what i am doing right now. i am applying to several LPN programs to get my foot in the door nursing. by the time i finish pre-reqs and waiting for an adn program :uhoh3: , i could be working as an lpn, earning for the family, and getting valuable nursing experience. then i can go into the bridge program for lpn to rn, i already get credits toward the adn with the lpn, as well as preferred admission. it would take about the same amount of time either way, so why not at least start working, getting experience and some cha-ching in your pocket?

topcat

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Feb 28, 2006

I did the LPN program before the RN program. It sucked paying tuition twice since nothing counted towards the RN program. However, I had to finish pre-reqs before starting the RN program anyway, so I had a year before starting the RN program. So I did the LPN program along w/ the ADN pre-reqs. It was nice b/c I already knew what to expect in nursing school and all about the weeding out process, when to keep my mouth shut, what type of students to avoid, etc. to stay out of trouble. It was nice to know the basics about diseases and treatments and meds. I learned all the medical lingo there so I wasn't lost in RN school looking up every other word. If you have the money to do both programs I say why not? If you have to wait anyway... It also helps taking the LPN boards since it will give you a feel for what the RN boards will be like. I feel it made the RN program a lot easier for me. HTH.

MimismomRN · Feb 28, 2006

Thanks this is encouraging to me. I'm waiting for my NCLEX results right now (LVN) will work while taking my last four pre-reqs and then apply to the bridge program. I think the LVN will help alot having that first also. My daughter is in her second semester RN program right now. My only regret is that I was not able to do this sooner. I am 48 right now and will probaly be 51 before I finish with my RN.

TopCat1234 · Mar 1, 2006

i am 48 right now and will probaly be 51 before i finish with my rn.

better late than never, i say! and besides, i bet you don't look a day over 35! :wink2:

topcat

MimismomRN · Mar 2, 2006

your'e too sweet, actually i think i do but appreciate it anyway. sometimes my body feels like its 85 especially going through nursing school. :) :) :)

TopCat1234 · Mar 2, 2006

i feel that way running after my one-year-old! :lol2: then i'm gonna be in trouble in nursing school!

topcat

I_Love_Nursing · Mar 2, 2006

This is exactly what I am doing as well. I am in the 2nd semester of LVN school and as soon and I finish I will do the bridge program on Excelsior. It was much easier where I am from and you gotta get your foot in the door somewhere. Take what you can get..

Hoping LVN2BSN · Mar 3, 2006

I'm doing the same thing, but only to make it easier for BSN. I want to step up to RN WITHOUT the ADN because there are plenty of BSN programs that don't require an ADN. My family is military and can't stay in one place for long so this is the best option for me.

mandaleigh · Mar 3, 2006

Here in central Indiana, schools have almost totally phased out the LPN programs. The school I attend, a community college, is about the only one. There are 70 in my class, due to complete in December. To get accepted, you have to take the PSB and have really good grades in your pre-reqs. There were approx. 300 applicants for the 70 slots, of those 300, only the highest scores on the PSB even are allowed to apply to the program, if your scores are acceptable, they send you an application. That said, the RN program only accepts 40 per year, you want to talk competition?? You'd better have a 4.0 or you can hang it up. The courses are hard, also. I was showing some of my stuff to a friend who is an RN, she was amazed at the difficulty of the coursework we have. There are quite a few transition to RN programs around, though.

archangel1916 · Mar 5, 2006

Exactly!! I am graduating an LPN program in 4 months and will immediately take a bridge program to RN. This way I can work and probably get the employer to pick up the education cost also. It's a no lose scenario from where I sit.

hunnylvn · Mar 5, 2006

i too was horrified by the wait to get into an rn program so i started taking pre reqs for an lvn (lpn) program here at an adult school. there is no wait and the job i have now will sponcer me so i won't pay one dime for lvn school! it's a 2 year program just 2 days a week, and i'm required to work 32 hours a week at a cna level (already working above that) i start this fall and as soon as i'm out i'll be applying for bridge programs/paradime programs and will do the fastest one then will get my rn to bsm or msn (depending on weather i'm still single when i'm an rn) i'm excited! good luck to you (btw the wait for the 2 yr (ft) rn program here is almost 5 years long now!!!!)

meredith

fgold · Mar 5, 2006

I was an lpn for 2 years until I became an RN. I mostly did it for $$ reasons. I was laid off from my other career and couldn't afford to spend the 2 years in school to get my RN. I had to do the lpn first. At the same time though I did all the pre reqs for the RN. That way when I did go for the RN then I already had those done.

By the way I did my RN thru excelsior. I just finished in november and passed my boards in jan (yea for me) If anyone has any questions about excelsior or what it is like just send me a message. I will gladly share what I know with anyone. Also the biggest thing I hear that is not true is that excelsior lpn to rn program is online. It is not online, that program is a take home course. You never have an instructor, not even on line.