How was your PN-RN bridge program?

I bridged from LPN to RN, and like you had all my pre-requisites for the ADN completed. I worked full time in LTC and took two classes every 8 weeks. It was a bit overwhelming at times, but I survived ? I'm sure my family thought I was a basket case, because when I was home I was either completing classwork, studying, or thinking about class work and that I should be studying. It went fast, and before I knew it it was done. 

My only regret was not doing it sooner. I didn't really have a "class", I sort of just jumped back into an established class, so I didn't have those connections that I had when I was going through the first time. It was a lot of solo work, virtual learning (hard to form study groups), and at graduation, I really didn't know anyone. 

In the end, go for it...Its worth it. 

6 hours ago, autism4life said:

I bridged from LPN to RN, and like you had all my pre-requisites for the ADN completed. I worked full time in LTC and took two classes every 8 weeks. It was a bit overwhelming at times, but I survived ? I'm sure my family thought I was a basket case, because when I was home I was either completing classwork, studying, or thinking about class work and that I should be studying. It went fast, and before I knew it it was done. 

My only regret was not doing it sooner. I didn't really have a "class", I sort of just jumped back into an established class, so I didn't have those connections that I had when I was going through the first time. It was a lot of solo work, virtual learning (hard to form study groups), and at graduation, I really didn't know anyone. 

In the end, go for it...Its worth it. 

WOW! Any tips or recommendations as to balancing family life? What would you have done differently if you could do it again? That's very motivating to hear you go through the program while working full time! I am so anxious and trying to wrap my mind about figuring out a balance and not neglecting too much on one side. Thanks for replying back. Reading your post was encouraging. 

My best advice would be to "stay ahead". I worked ahead as much as I was allowed. As soon as that class was available I sat down and completed all the classwork I was allowed to complete. Most of my classes opened with all the learning plans available, so anything that was assigned I did. Including discussion boards. I may not of turned it in right away, but I had it available and complete so that all I had to do was go in and tweak what I needed to. I would set aside a weekend to do this, so that the rest of my free time I could dedicate to studying.

Unfortunately, you will neglect some aspects of your personal life. The old adage that nursing school will consume you is not too far fetched.  

I also would recommend getting as organized as you can. Print the syllabus, get a binder, and start forming a plan early. Where are your weaknesses? If you really understand the cardiac system but struggle with the pulmonary system, focus your notes and study items in that area, skimming the material you know to keep it fresh. This way you do not waste precious time on concepts you are comfortable with. 

Find an app you like to practice NCLEX style study questions and do this during down time. Like in the bathroom, or while riding passenger in the car.  Make it fun and interactive. I used to quiz my husband and he'd take a wild guess (not medical at all ? ) and my kids as well. This way I could explain the right answer to them (Im sure they hated every minute of it). I used RN Mastery, but I think a lot of others use something called UWorld. 

Once you graduate, do not, and I repeat do not wait to take your NCLEX. Sign up as soon as possible. Remember, you have been studying to take this test since you started this journey, don't let the jitters get to you. 

I wouldn't of changed anything. This seemed to work well for me. My biggest regret was not staying with my class. I left the ADN program in my 3rd semester ( I had sat for my LPN at the end of my 2nd semester) and felt I was doing what I loved at the time, that I didn't need to continue on. 3 years went by, and I decided that I was missing something, so that is when I decided to bridge back in. That was in 2019, then covid hit, and school was a whole new ball game. Learning to navigate the virtual world, not having the support system that I had had in the past was terrifying. I think I had to work harder as a solo learner, and I defiantly missed out on a lot of sleep. Do not take on too much, even if it takes you two years to finish, it's not about how fast you do it, it's about doing it and becoming a safe, competent nurse. 

You are wanting  to move on from an LPN to an RN. This is fabulous! Just beware of the toxic programs out there (most seem to be in Florida) which have poor NCLEX statsistics  (12%  =meaning 12 out of a hundred passes) and miserable graduation rates (sometimes not disclosed)  but this 'honey" will attract nursing students who vow to be the best there is until they fail. I understand their motivation and energy . There might be a bias that you can learn all about RN nursing from a book. The comments from students of these programs is "they taught themselves (paying $ 40, 000 tuition whether they get a license or not.)  But do realize an RN education will be the foundation of your future jobs. You have built on your LPN education and what you learned there will benefit your professiona nursing  practice and you will excel with a proper education course. 

On 3/30/2021 at 8:44 AM, autism4life said:

My best advice would be to "stay ahead". I worked ahead as much as I was allowed. As soon as that class was available I sat down and completed all the classwork I was allowed to complete. Most of my classes opened with all the learning plans available, so anything that was assigned I did. Including discussion boards. I may not of turned it in right away, but I had it available and complete so that all I had to do was go in and tweak what I needed to. I would set aside a weekend to do this, so that the rest of my free time I could dedicate to studying.

Unfortunately, you will neglect some aspects of your personal life. The old adage that nursing school will consume you is not too far fetched.  

I also would recommend getting as organized as you can. Print the syllabus, get a binder, and start forming a plan early. Where are your weaknesses? If you really understand the cardiac system but struggle with the pulmonary system, focus your notes and study items in that area, skimming the material you know to keep it fresh. This way you do not waste precious time on concepts you are comfortable with. 

Find an app you like to practice NCLEX style study questions and do this during down time. Like in the bathroom, or while riding passenger in the car.  Make it fun and interactive. I used to quiz my husband and he'd take a wild guess (not medical at all ? ) and my kids as well. This way I could explain the right answer to them (Im sure they hated every minute of it). I used RN Mastery, but I think a lot of others use something called UWorld. 

Once you graduate, do not, and I repeat do not wait to take your NCLEX. Sign up as soon as possible. Remember, you have been studying to take this test since you started this journey, don't let the jitters get to you. 

I wouldn't of changed anything. This seemed to work well for me. My biggest regret was not staying with my class. I left the ADN program in my 3rd semester ( I had sat for my LPN at the end of my 2nd semester) and felt I was doing what I loved at the time, that I didn't need to continue on. 3 years went by, and I decided that I was missing something, so that is when I decided to bridge back in. That was in 2019, then covid hit, and school was a whole new ball game. Learning to navigate the virtual world, not having the support system that I had had in the past was terrifying. I think I had to work harder as a solo learner, and I defiantly missed out on a lot of sleep. Do not take on too much, even if it takes you two years to finish, it's not about how fast you do it, it's about doing it and becoming a safe, competent nurse. 

LOVE this!! Thank you so much! I just received my acceptance letter, I literally had happy tears streaming down my face in a middle of a work out. LOL. I will definitely keep these advice as they are very useful and helpful. Thanks again! Was your schedule like a M-F? I'm looking at my program and its M-F for 2 semesters. I need to figure out child care now.