Help with LPN-RN & Psychiatric Nursing Questions

[Summert7]

I'd appreciate advise & expertise regarding 2 questions:

1. I have a college degree and LPN license. I really want to get my RN but honestly fearful on if I should attempt this endeavor after being out of school for some time. Trying to choose which track (ADN, BSN & accelerated programs) Also aware of having to take core courses in nutrition, A&P, pharm. etc.

2. What advice and preparation would you suggest for an LPN new to working in a small psychiatric hospital (no prior experience in this area)?

Thank you -

[Michael_Espelin, MSN, APRN]

1. I have a college degree and LPN license. I really want to get my RN but honestly fearful on if I should attempt this endeavor after being out of school for some time. Go for it! Trying to choose which track (ADN, BSN & accelerated programs) Also aware of having to take core courses in nutrition, A&P, pharm. etc.You will obviously have to decide on your own ultimately, but you have several options. The ADN route gets you the RN license the fastest. So if you want to get your RN fast, you could start with that route. Definitely use your LPN license if you can while you go for your ADN. The downside is a lot of hospitals are now looking for nurses that have a bachelor's degree, BSN. So if you go with the ADN, I'd recommend getting into a RN/BSN accelerated program as quickly as possible.

2. What advice and preparation would you suggest for an LPN new to working in a small psychiatric hospital (no prior experience in this Do you have any LPN experience at all? There are a lot of other threads in the specialty section under Psychiatric Nursing that address some key points for new nurses in psych; that would be your best place to start. But definitely pursue to position if you are interested in psych.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

As a new grad RN, you would have an advantage in that you have actual nursing experience (albeit LPN/LVN experience)--that gives you a leg up over many new grads who have zero nursinng experience whatsoever. It doesn't guarantee you a job, but IMO it does make you a more appealing candidate. If circumstances permit it, go straight for the BSN as that's the minimum that most facilities want nowadays. Otherwise, go ADN and then immeditely go RN/BSN.

In psych, LPNs/LVNs primarily give medications. They also perform continuing assessments (based on your state Nurse Practice Act) and help to maintain the milieu. Start brusing up on your psychiatric medications, therapeuutic communication and the basics of common psych conditions.