How do you do it.....LPN to RN bridge

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How do you all do it? How do you work as an LPN while pursuing your RN? Do you just work part time? I was looking at the schedule for the RN nursing class and even the ones in the afternoon started at 3:00 and the clinicals that were twice a week were all day. I am just curious how everyone does it? I am wondering how realistic it is to get my RN while working and taking care of a husband and 4 kids. Look forward to everyones responses.

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I know a lot of people take the core science courses before starting the bridge program. Obviously, the schools know most students are working as LPNs while in school, and they tend to be accomodating with schedules. That's partly why it's called a transition program-it should be a little unique from the traditional program in its offerings. Maybe you could look into extending the program a year, and going part-time? I don't know, nursing school is nursing school...going to be tough. Good luck!

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I know a lot of people take the core science courses before starting the bridge program. Obviously, the schools know most students are working as LPNs while in school, and they tend to be accomodating with schedules. That's partly why it's called a transition program-it should be a little unique from the traditional program in its offerings. Maybe you could look into extending the program a year, and going part-time? I don't know, nursing school is nursing school...going to be tough. Good luck!

I definitely planned on getting everything done so all that was necessary was nursing classes. I just want to make sure I can pay my bills while going to nursing school. :-)

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I worked a minimum of 30 hours a week through both LPN and RN school and made excellent grades so it is definitely doable. Good luck!

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Specializes in Perioperative, ACU, Hospice.

I work anywhere from 2-4 shifts per week and get along in school just fine. I'm the only LVN in my RN program (advanced placement), the rest of the students are straight RN students. While I do have to study pretty hard, I find that I have an advantage over the other students because the material is not entirely new to me. So working anywhere from 16 to 32 hours a week isn't killing me. I'd actually work 32 every week if my facility had the hours for me. I'm per diem, so I take what I can get! Also, having already been through nursing school once, I know better than to partake of the drama, or waste time arguing test questions, or freak out because my clinical instructor is tough.

I think that working while doing the LVN-RN bridge is entirely possible. Good luck! :)

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

I worked FT night shift (7p-7a) as long as I could through the bridge program and saved up money. Then I went to every other weekend. It really sucks b/c that's not much money but I'm graduating soon. Most LPNs were working every weekend..24hrs a week throughout school. I don't know anyone who worked FT the ENTIRE program but I guess anything is possible.

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Do all clinicals in adn programs take place at like 6:00? I'm a p.m. nurse & my brain just doesn't work at 5:00 to get to clinicals. I'm saying, If a person chose to work pms, wouldn't schools figure that in? Not everyone is a morning person? sue

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Specializes in PACU.
Do all clinicals in adn programs take place at like 6:00? I'm a p.m. nurse & my brain just doesn't work at 5:00 to get to clinicals. I'm saying, If a person chose to work pms, wouldn't schools figure that in? Not everyone is a morning person? sue

I know that my program (I'll be starting in September) says that we MIGHT be assigned to the evening shift. I, unfortunately, will have clinicals starting at 0700, so I'll be getting up at like 0500. Yuck. I am a total night person, too. I'll just have to do what I did during my LPN program and guzzle lots of caffeinated drinks to get me going. Doing calisthenics can help, too, but make sure you do those before you go into the filthy-floored hospital.

Anyway, my plan is to work 2-3 (probably 8 hr :() shifts per week while in school. I believe I should be able to do that easily. I could probably manage a little more, and will have to if I run into unforeseen expenses.

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

I'm looking into a bridge program right now-as an experienced LPN I will be required to take only 6 courses (21 credits) pass then with a 2.0 and then I can take the 2 credit LPN transition course.From there I'll complete the RN program in 2 semesters.I may just go part time at that point.I plan on pulling some OT until then-my car will be paid off soon.My husband and I both work full time and split the household expenses-we'll have to tighten our belts for a while but if I need to quit working for awhile that's what I'll have to do...The problem is my employer has great tuition re-imbursement for full time employees and the nursing department no longer hires part time....

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Specializes in Emergency, Case Management, Informatics.

It's tough, but it's doable. I am only able to work part time because of the hectic class/clinical schedule. I work Sat/Sun from 6p-6a, and even then it seems to interfere with school.

As far as the financial situation, I looked at it like this - when I was in LPN school, I was working 40+ hours a week at a crappy $10/hr customer service job. Now that I'm making over twice that per hour, I know that I can cut my hours in half if I just cut my lifestyle expenses down to what they were when I was living off of the crappy job.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.
Do all clinicals in adn programs take place at like 6:00? I'm a p.m. nurse & my brain just doesn't work at 5:00 to get to clinicals. I'm saying, If a person chose to work pms, wouldn't schools figure that in? Not everyone is a morning person? sue

Most if not all of the clinicals will be early AM and we have had some that were afternoons (1-7pm or something similar.) Sometimes they will be a LITTLE flexible with scheduling but not enough to give you PMs just b/c you prefer it. I don't think there would enough students that preferred evening clinicals to warrant that but I could be wrong. Also it's the instructor preference and not too many would like nights. I also am a PM nurse but I had to make that adjustment for nursing school. Mountain dew was my best friend.

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Knowing what you require sleep wise, money wise and study wise to make it through the program is a big step in deciding how much to work. I am in an LVN to BSN program currently. I have classes two days a week, and schedule my clinicals during the week. My job was nice enough to allow me to transfer to dayshift weekends only while I'm in school (I was night shift prior to this). I have managed to work 36 hours a week (friday-sunday) and still make good grades thus far. I have two semesters to go. My teachers know and understand that as a single parent not working is not an option for me and work with me wherever they can.....This said there are still times when it seems I am going non-stop for a few weeks....I think take a PTO day recoup and go again. I think knowing I can take a PTO day and recoup and that I have work and school supporting my efforts are key in making this work for me. GOOD LUCK!!!!:bugeyes:

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