Has being a LPN first better prepare you for being a RN later?

ASPIRING2BGREAT · May 25, 2012

Any guide or administrator viewing can you please move this to the RN area , if possible. I think I would get more of a response there.

Thank you!

Trauma Columnist · May 25, 2012

I did an LPN certificate in 1992 and then went immediately to an ADN and graduated in 1994. I think it did help as I worked as an LPN while in school.

prettymica, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN, APRN, NP · May 25, 2012

So far yes. I am not an RN yet but I am in a bridge program. Lots of the material that I am studying I have seen before so my grades are better and I dont have to spend as much time studying.

tokmom, BSN, RN · May 25, 2012

I took the longer way due to finances. I completed a CNA course in HS and worked as a CNA in both LTC and med/surg. I wanted to do an RN program, but didn't have the resources. I signed up, on a whim, for LPN studies and graduated back in 1985. My instructers were totally brutal and by graduation time, nothing could phase us. No mollycoddling from them. It was a good thing. I had been working as an LPN for 4 yrs when I graduated with the RN. I think the transistion was much easier for me because of being an LPN and my tough instuctors. A part of me will always be an LPN. I think they are very under appreciated and under utilized.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 30, 2012

I completed an LVN program in 2005 and worked as one while completing an RN bridge program in 2010. This route minimized the amount of student loan debt that I incurred, so I am appreciative of that.

HelenaHandbasket · May 30, 2012

I've been an LPN for *gulp* 17 years. LPNs have long been known as "trench nurses" because they tend to work in the trenches so to speak. :)

I think it is the best thing in nursing to have seasoned LPNs continue to RN. In my 15 month program I did nearly twice as many clinical hours as my friend who did an ADN program. While LPNs aren't allowed to work in OB, ED, Med/Surg...ALL of our clinical training was in these areas.

I've worked beside new, direct to RN nurses and found them to be very hesistant once in the clinical work setting. LPNs seem to come out of school more confident in their skills.

We also already know the nursing basics and have handled a floor before, so the day-to-day routine is already set in us. :) I won't be nervous when a state evaluator sits over me while I do a complex sterile dressing change or while I pass meds to 42 people. LPNs have already worked those nerves out!

I also think there is a maturity level in LPNs that is not present in direct to RN students. We know how to process information so that it will best assimilated and applied in class and in clinical. We already have a critical thinking mind.

That's just my experience.

studybudy12, RN · May 31, 2012

Thanks for the insight. I was struggling to choose starting an LPN or RN. I can get into either

but, I feel that one can achieve more confidence in the LPN program and then continue

through a Bridge program to RN to reinforce what one has learned in an educational setting. :bow:

Thus, getting great grades, scholarships which help in the financial department.

VanessaLovesNursing · Jun 4, 2012

Thank you for this post! I am starting the LPN - RN bridge soon! I'm excited!

Miss Lisa · Jun 4, 2012

Its helped me so far and im in Nursing 3 ( third semester )

ASPIRING2BGREAT · Jun 4, 2012

Thanks everyone for responding. This is the route in which I have all so choosen to take, and upon completion I too think I will be appreciative of my decision.

Sometimes in life when you desire something you just have to take the steps neccessary to get you there. Rather it be long or short, hard or easy, we have to start somewhere.

We're all on the same journey, just reaching our destination at different times!

Best wishes and thanks to all! :thankya:

Lori27 · Jun 25, 2012

I feel the LPN to RN path is a great way to advance yourself as a well prepared nurse. I have been an LPN for ten years and learned a tremendous amount of clinical skill in addition to Med/Surg theory and that knowledge base carried over into my studies on the ASN track. I graduated in May and am due to sit for NCLEX and have already secured a position at a local hospital (the #1 reason I went for the ASN) that I wanted to get in. If this is the path you are going to choose, GOOD FOR YOU. It means that when you do get your ASN, you will not be regarded as a "newbie" but as a nurse with floor experience at a higher educational level. According to Maslow's hierarchy once you've hit that self actulization level, you will seek out ways to improve yourself.