Graduating LVN August 2015. Work as LVN for a few yrs or straight to LVN-RN bridge??

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 17, 2015

I can't think of a single disadvantage of continuing on immediately, IF you can get placement immediately. If you cannot get admitted into a program, then working as an LPN will give you experience and money while you work on your next application.

Not really sure what the quandry is? If you can afford to only work part-time as an LPN while in RN school, then that is probably your best route. If you cannot afford to work part-time and must work full-time, then ask yourself how comfortable you are with a work schedule while in RN school.

There really isn't anything to advise, IMHO....seems to me you can do what you like here.

Goodluck!

BrandonLPN, LPN · May 17, 2015

Experience has taught me that the longer a LPN waits to go back to school, the less likely he will ever do so. Go now, if you can.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · May 17, 2015

I waited a year before bridging to the RN program. . That was because life happened and I needed to work. I have no regreats but would have went back sooner if possible.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 18, 2015

I had three years of LVN work experience when I started attending an LPN-to-ASN transition program. However, I waited three years because I could not get admitted into a program any sooner.

If events had transpired my way, I would have enrolled in an LPN-to-RN program soon after graduating from the LVN program.

Alisonisayoshi, LVN · May 18, 2015

I'm enrolling right away. I will work as an LVN during the bridge. I already did all my pre req courses though.

cantwait2beanurse · May 18, 2015

Haven't had a problem getting right into our nursing programs around here. Like got into this LVN one on first try. Pretty much if your gpa is high, your prereqs are done, reccommendation letters good, background, good, you have high test scores and fullfill the other application guidelines then you are in. And work is not a big deal to me while in school....I'm a single mom of 2 currently working FT as CNA and part-time as a hairstylist and part-time as a crew member at Papa Murphy's with FT LVN school. But my quandary is on the experience. I was asking if LVN experience is relevant to RN school or does it not even matter so much?

cantwait2beanurse · May 18, 2015

All my preqs are done as well for RN from previous associate degrees except having my LVN. I just wondered if it makes any difference to spend some time as a LVN before RN. A part of me doesn't want to just waste my LVN away when I graduate this August since it was/ is hard work.

xxMichelleJxx · May 19, 2015

I feel you should go back to school as early as you can! Even if you do get a LPN position, you can work while in school. This way you will be building your resume, gaining experience, and furthering your education - all at the same time! :)

NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN · May 23, 2015

All my preqs are done as well for RN from previous associate degrees except having my LVN. I just wondered if it makes any difference to spend some time as a LVN before RN. A part of me doesn't want to just waste my LVN away when I graduate this August since it was/ is hard work.

When did you finish your per-requisites? The reason I ask is many schools are putting a five year cap on transferring any science and possibly even math courses. I was an LPN who planned to go right into the RN program. I finished all of my non nursing courses and got accepted but then postponed going back at that time due to personal reasons and then life got in the way. When I finally saw the job market take a sudden turn in a different direction in my area I decided to go back to school....only to find out that I would be looking long and hard for one that would transfer my credits over due to the time lapse between when the A+P, microbiology, and math were taken. I finally found one that is fully accredited and I can transfer to a four year community or state college for my BSN when I finish (already verified with two schools) but am paying through the nose for tuition (and got in just in time because they just adopted the "five year" rule for the class enrolled after mine).

From what I have seen for myself, practicing for many years before going back, things have changed. The school will want you to do things their way for a practical and you will have to "re-learn" for their exam. This is where LPNs bridging over have issues. Teachers have said that LPNs that come straight out of school for the transition handle this part better. Also, test taking. The exams are written on a level where you need to forget common sense practice. Things that would easily be answered by a student who hasn't worked in the field could be missed by someone who has been working in it because in our mind, we are visualizing the problem in a clinical setting. We have been told by instructors to view the situation exactly as it is written with no extra knowledge of the situation. After doing this, we do fine on the exams but it takes a new way of thinking for answering the questions. If I had it all to do over again, I would have bit the bullet the first time and made things easier for myself.

Lmomma · May 24, 2015

What is your current situation? Are you married, single, kids, no kids?? All of those play a role

If you're single, no brainer, I'd go strait thru for my RN. If your married and/or have kids, I would personally take a year and just work as an LPN and spend time with my family

I am personally not going to go for my RN, as I have 2 kids and ahusband who will like to get to know me again after I graduate :)

OrganizedChaos, LVN · May 24, 2015

I wanted to go back to school to bridge to become an RN. I was finishing pre-reqs but then I put school off & life got in the way. I say if you can get into a bridge program right after the LVN program, do it.