Curious: Which is tougher/More Overwhelming... 1st Yr RN or LPN?

luv4nursing · Jun 20, 2008

Ive been an LPN and am now an RN, and I dont think you can compare the two titles within the same setting. In the hospital setting, they perform the same jobs. Depending on the state, LPNs do most of what RNs do, other than pushing IV meds or hanging blood. They would need to ask an RN to perform those tasks.

Basically a first year nurse is a first year nurse, whether it be an LPN or RN. I didnt learn anything in RN school that wasnt simply reinforcing what I learned in LPN school. As a matter of fact, we did much more in clinicals during LPN school than RN school and clocked way more clinical hours. I pretty much considered the RN bridge program a formality or a means to an end to get paid more and be able to work in the hospital (LPNS arent utilized much in hospitals where I live). I consider RN to consist of more lengthy education, but not more skills than an LPN.

missjennmb · Jun 20, 2008

I know the actual nurses are very similar. I'm sorry if it seemed I was saying they are not, or one was less than the other. That was not my intent. I was just curious if the expectations on you are more coming in as an RN compared to an LPN, maybe because most LPN programs are certificate programs while many RNs have a degree behind them (and the assumption would mean that they "know more" even if they do or don't in reality log more clinical hours). I don't know a lot about the positions available to LPNs but I just keep reading all of the rough 1st year accounts here and am curious if having some work experience as an LPN in whatever setting, might make the transition to getting started as an RN, easier.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2008

I have no doubts that working as an LPN during my second year of NS has given me a leg up compared to if I had gone directly from student to RN. I think my first year as an RN will be much less stressful because I had the LPN experience.

luv4nursing · Jun 22, 2008

I know the actual nurses are very similar. I'm sorry if it seemed I was saying they are not, or one was less than the other. That was not my intent. I was just curious if the expectations on you are more coming in as an RN compared to an LPN, maybe because most LPN programs are certificate programs while many RNs have a degree behind them (and the assumption would mean that they "know more" even if they do or don't in reality log more clinical hours). I don't know a lot about the positions available to LPNs but I just keep reading all of the rough 1st year accounts here and am curious if having some work experience as an LPN in whatever setting, might make the transition to getting started as an RN, easier.

Oh I see what you mean. I think if you were an LPN in the hospital, the transition to RN would be a piece of cake...maybe even with LTC experience as well. Unfortunately I worked in peds home health so it didnt prepare me at all. I feel just as green and a new grad RN who started from scratch. HTH! :)

vashtee, RN · Jun 22, 2008

The LVNs who bridged into my RN program think that it's really hard, and some are struggling academically. Naturally though, they are better in clinicals.