Is there a difference between LVN-RN and LVN-BSN?

[parafreddy]

Is there a difference between LVN-RN and LVN-BSN?

I mean, it should be straight forward, right? LV-RN is when you go from being an LVN to become an RN (associates degree) AND LVN-BSNn is when you go from LVN to an RN (with a BSN)?

Do you have to be an RN (associates) to become a RN (bachelors) from being an LVN? like a 1-2-3 step?? Or, can I automatically jump to an Lvn-BSN program after several years experiences of being an LVN?

What are advanced placements?

I'm looking at LVN-RN/BSN programs around the bay - like at SFSU, USF, and Dominican U. It seems like Dominican U has the LVN-BSN program ... and the other two, you can only get a certificate of being an RN after taking 30 units.. (I'm assuming not even an associates.. blahhhh).

So I'm guessing it's more favorable if I jump to the LBN-BSN option?

I've read a lot of threads online, and it seems like a lot of people are confused by it (or I'm just confusing myself).

Also, I know LVN jobs are becoming more obsolete in Hospitals, but I've heard that they're booming in Home Cares and LTC (from what I've been reading..) Can Anyone attest to this? Anyone living in CA/Bay Area-ish area would be useful?

[leinasmom]

I am also an LVN in the Bay Area. I guess you answered your question as far as what is the difference between the two, one is an AS degree and the other is a BS degree in Nursing.

In Northern Cali you have several options of doing your LVN to BSN..CSUEB is one of them that you did not list. You do not need to have a number of hours as an LVN, just hold your license and you are allowed to apply. The other difference is the amount of time to get your degree. Most lvn to asn programs allow you to come in at the 2nd year of an ASN program, making you have to finish only 2 semesters or 8 months to become an RN. The BSN program are a bit longer, as for the higher degree you need more units.

Good luck on your choice. I will be applying to an ASN program, do the 2 semester and finish my BSN online. I don't care for school much and my life is pretty crazy so the more time I have outside of school is better for me.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

You can do LPN-BSN. I had several LPNs in my BSN program, but most of them were in the accelerated nursing track.

If you can financially, just go for the LPN-BSN. If you can't, then get your ADN first. A lot of hospitals are trying to hire more employees with a BSN degree *or* someone with an ADN who is currently in school pursuing their BSN. I used to work at a hospital that utilized a lot of LPNs in various areas of the hospital; now most of them got laid off Where I work now, there aren't many LPNs...there are a few on the med-surg units and a couple who work in the fast track ER but that's about it. It just depends on your area.

With as BSN, a lot of opportunities are open to you if you want to further your degree. Some states allow you to become a clinical instructor with a BSN. You can go on and get your MSN and go into nursing education (teach nursing classes), administration, CNS/NP, or become a nurse midwife.

[wilsonbl5150]

I'm an LVN from Texas and I'm FINALLY at a point in my life where I can go back to school, so I've been doing research and talking to recruiters for weeks. This is what I've been told. A LVN-RN program will get you an associates degree and prepare you to take the boards and become an RN. This is the the more clinical, hands on approach. The LVN-BSN is more academic. It focues more on in class learning and less (if anything) on clinicals. When you finish you get a Bachelors degree.

In Texas, so I've been told, a LVN-BSN does NOT grant you the oppurtunity to take the board exam for your RN, due to fewer (if any) clinical hours. If you're in doubt check with your state board of nursing before you enroll.