Back to school? (LVN to RN RIGHT after my LVN Program)

[pweezy2460]

Hello everyone! So I'm just starting my last semester of my LVN program here in Southern CA (finishing up early Dec. '19!), and I've been battling with the idea of whether or not to jump into a bridge program the following semester after the end of my LVN program (roughly around 3+ months after), or taking about a year or so off from school to just work and kind of enjoy life whilst growing my skills as a new nurse, ofcourse. I also have another dilemma regarding this.....prior to my LVN program, I completed ALL pre req courses (all sciences, statistics, all GE courses, etc.) but obtained a subpar GPA (roughly 2.7-ish) with all my courses (long story short, I didn't take my pre-req journey as seriously as I should've), BUT during my LVN program I've managed to maintain a 3.5 GPA cumulative throughout the program. Now I do know that bridge programs primarily look at the pre req GPA, as well as other factors, but do they also take into account LVN coursework and GPA? If anyone can give me some insight, specifically for schools in the Southern Cali area, that would be great...thanks!

[KrysyRN, BSN]

I'm not in CA but was enrolled in two different bridge programs (LPN to AD-RN, then AD-RN to BSN). Nursing schools will definitely, and probably primarily, look at your practical nurse/vocational nursing school grades.

If you have a few schools in mind where you would like to bridge, you may want to take a look at the school's application, and qualifications for admission, on the school's website. You may be able to see how heavily your PN/VN courses weigh against the pre-req courses you've taken. Some schools award points based on your grades and activities and use the total number to rank your position for admission. Good luck!

[Neo Soldier, BSN, RN]

I encourage you to get into the bridge program right away. Nursing is impacted and you need to take a spot if you can get it. There's no guarantee that you will get into a bridge program simply because you applied and have experience.

I don't know where you are in Socal but I know many ADN programs use the point system and from what I have seen, the points from work experience don't count for much. Most of the points come from one's GPA and TEAS/HESI exam.

[pweezy2460]

Hey thank you guys for the reply! Neo Soldier, i'm actually in Los Angeles and have literally spent the passed year (while in LVN school) researching which bridge program would be the best route for me to go down. Being the person that I am, I definitely feel it would be the best option to just jumped right into a bridge program. I can proudly say I just succesfully finished my program on 12/15 now im just studying to take my NClex, and hoping will be applying to some bridge programs and landing/securing an LVN job soon.