For those who did an LVN to RN transition: Can you tell me a little about your experience?

LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN · Jul 26, 2016

I think it will depend on what type of program you will be going into. I can only offer limited advice as I literally just started my bridge program and am finishing up the transitions class this week. My program is an associates, we are advanced the first year that traditional RN students have to take. So my program is 3 semesters and done. This is good and bad. Good because it's quick but bad because the school assumes you have the knowledge about fundamentals etc that the traditional nursing students learn that first year. So while we will touch on basic subjects like metabolism, perioperative, etc its definitely not layed out for you like it is in a traditional program.

That said it's been fine, I have had to study a lot but I have been doing well. I have been an LPN for 8 years now and in a way this is hindered me at times on test questions. I always assumed the difference between LPN vs RN education was not that different, well it is. I tend to want to answer questions as an LPN and I often have to redirect myself to start thinking like an RN. I am getting the hang of it but I had never thought before school it would be much of a problem until I realized how different the two scope of practices really were.

Most of the people in my class work full time. I worked full time when I did pre-reqs but when it came to the program actually starting I am now PRN because I have 3 young kids. But it is definitely doable to work full time and go to school full time if you do not have children. Not saying you couldn't do it with children but it would be that much more difficult. Just no social life but that's part of it.

That said I am very close with a classmate who is an LPN and this is her second go around at RN school. She has what it takes but her anxiety gets to her because she failed the first time around, she is her own worst enemy and I tell her this constantly. Stop doubting yourself now! Crap happens, your better for it now, learn from what you did wrong the first time around and instead of being scared of that let it empower you because you know not to do it again.

I never did RN before I got my LPN but if I would have done RN first, I most definitely would have failed out and I am now a honors student. I needed the LPN step before I did RN school. Many people do not but I did and I have never regretted it. I am confident in myself now but not to the point where I think I know everything because I know I have so much to learn still.

Do not let past failures determine your future. My grandma always had this super cheesy saying to me that I have heard elsewhere as well but it has spoken to me a lot in the last few years, she always said it's not that you fell down that counts, it's how you get back up that matters. Nothing hard ever comes easy either, that's what makes it worth it when you finally succeed. Good luck, I am sure you will do great!!

ballack24 · Jul 26, 2016

I am very grateful for your response, I too am looking into ADN programs. I sincerely admire folks that are working on realizing their dreams and raising a family at the same time. If it isn't easy while being single, I can only imagine how challenging it would be when there's dependents involved!

When I was accepted into the RN program the 1st time, I had absolutely no experience in the medical field. Granted I wasn't the only one but I managed to scrape by 1st sem. Howevver, 2nd sem completely destroyed me.

Although I had already completed RN fundamentals, it wasn't until I got to the LVN program where I actually felt that I grasped the basics better. In the past, I heard people say it was a waste of time to go into the LVN program first, but I think that is not true. I understand that there are those that can grasp concepts quickly, but for those people needing the hands-on experience, the LVN program gave me the confidence to perform competently.

I feel like I can definitely relate to your friend. I too am my worst enemy, and I'm so hard on myself. I'm a perfectionist and failing was a first for me. It hurt so badly, and I almost gave up my dream of becoming a nurse. Although I picked myself back up, my self-esteem was damaged. Every time I drove to school, it felt like turning my car back around and crawling back into bed for fear of failing a test that day. I did become a better test-taker, though. Anxiety was still there, though. I ended up doing well for the most part, although I did have a rocky start and not the most ideal finish....but I did finish I also passed the NCLEX on my 1st try,

I do have to ask, though. In the RN bridge, do you have to take the same courses as the LVN program like pharm, etc?

thebeccalc, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2016

Short answer - yes, it is 100% doable. I'm starting my transition program in a few weeks (online except Clinical, awesome), and I have no intention of cutting back on work. Like you, I can't afford to.

Also like you, I was in an RN program and failed my third semester. I shot myself in the foot by working nights and then trying to be focused in class the next day. Didn't work out for obvious reasons.

Now, in preparation, I've been working with my director to rearrange my schedule so I can be successful. She needs me to get my RN, I need my RN, and her accommodation will only benefit the hospital, especially since I'm getting tuition reimbursement and so will be contractually obligated to them for two years after graduation. Everyone benefits.

For context, I'm also a fairly new (one year-ish liscenced) TX LVN.

Good luck! :)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2016

I'm also in Texas (Fort Worth). I had three years of LVN experience at the time I enrolled in an LPN-to-ASN bridge program.

At the time I was a 28-year-old single female homeowner. I worked 32 hours per week the entire time by doing two 16-hour weekend double shifts at a nursing home. This schedule enabled me to have Monday through Friday off for school.

I also crossed state lines to attend school. I lived in Texas and attended school 225 miles away in Oklahoma City. I drove to OKC on Tuesday mornings, spent Tuesday and Wednesday nights in an old efficiency apartment there, and returned to Texas every Thursday evening. I attended school in OKC on Tue/Wed/Thurs.

Overall, the year of school flew by because I was so busy. In addition, working full-time enabled me to pay my bills in both states without any snags.

nsuchsland · Jul 26, 2016

I was an LVN in CA for many years. I had to take prerequisite to go back to school to be an RN. I didn't do the LVN to RN bridge as the school I attended stopped doing it the year I was accepted. I was glad I did the 2 years as I needed the extra time and credits for my ADN. That being said the main difference between LVN/LPN and RN is the why. It is not just task oriented like an LVN/LPN. It does take a mind shift, yet having th LVN/LPN background does help. I am very happy I did an ADN program as they have more clinical hands on experience than BSN programs. I worked 20 hours during nursing school and drove 3-4 hours a day on the days I went to school. I listened to audio helps from ebooks and used iTunes U classes for the subjects I was taking and it really helped. The extra audio helped. It was tough working and studying but it is doable. You may have an easier time accepting help from your parents. The amount of studying is pretty intense and not having to work can be helpful.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Jul 28, 2016

I completed an LVN/PN transition to RN program. I had planned to bridge from the time I began the LVN/PN program.

I was/am a single parent throughout the entire process from LVN/PN school through my RN program.

If I'd had the option to reduce expenses and live with my parents, I would have.

I deliberately chose to keep my living expenses low even after I graduated from the LVN/PN program and was working. I did this because I knew I'd be back at school to complete my RN shortly after.

For me, the RN program was just under a year long. I lived humbly and spent a ton of time studying.

I was able to maintain somewhat of a social life, I ran my first half marathon with friends, I sometimes attended get togethers with friends when I had the time.

It was challenging, but I was determined to finish my RN. And I did. And passed my NCLEX and landed a great job.

I agree with the points the other posters have made about the rigors of the RN program as it relates to LVN/PNs.

The nursing courses themselves were similar, but a more enhanced understanding was required. I approached it as if I knew nothing and studied my behind off.

Don't let familiarity with a subject cause you to believe that you truly understand it.

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