experience as LPN help you as aRN?

[nomadicnurse]

hello,

I was wondering if anyone has noticed that their previous LPN experience has helped them land a job when they became an RN. I am an LPN, halfway through my RN program, and am anxious about this tough job market. By the time I graduate, I will have nearly two years of LPN experience,

[Tstaa1]

Hi nomadicnurse. I have been an LPN for 12 years and I am pursuing my BSN currently. I believe that your experience as an LPN will be tremendously helpful in your job search. You will stand out among the other applicants because an employer will recognize that, unlike new grads who lack experience, you will have already mastered the fundamentals of nursing. That is a major bonus! Best of luck, Tiffany

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I agree, it should be helpful. Employers that do not have a formal new grad transition program would be more comfortable hiring you because you are not a complete beginner. Most employers also give 'partial' credit for LVN experience when they compute your RN starting salary.. usually on a 2:1 basis.

Best wishes on your educational pathway.

[squidbillies]

I have an example for LPN experience being helpful and an example for it not being helpful- I do not have an example for it being a detriment :)

1- From what I understand, the VA system does not place you at a higher GSN for your LPN experience.

2- Several hospitals in my area hire new grad RN's at significantly higher rates if they were LPN's, counting any number of years experience as nursing experience.

I definitely think you'll have a leg up on many folks in the job market with your LPN experience. Good luck.

[Sunnilee]

Hello and graduations on your pursuit of nursing. You may have already asked this but I would recommend that you ask your current employer regarding working under your RN title to gain employment credibility. Regardless, your LPN status will enhance your resume and give credibility to your efforts of continued improvement.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

I would assume that lpn/Lvn experience is beneficial. While the hiring facility may not officially count the experience obtained before becoming an RN, I think it will be hugely beneficial to know about certain illnesses and the typical tx protocols. Also, being comfortable talking to pts, mds, and other personnel will likely help one be a better RN.

As an Lvn bridging to rn and currently in clinicals, I've benefitted from understanding pts needs, mds needs, nurses needs, etc.

I know and understand that my prior experience will not necessarily officially count as experience, but I still believe it helps me to understand pt care and the "why" behind what we, as nurses, do.