Is the LPN license really necessary to have before going into the RN?

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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As most of you know, getting into nursing school is very competitive. That's a big, "duhhhh". For me, my plan was always to get a BSN. I was so LUCKY to get into an LPN program almost 3 years ago (graduated last year). Most of us use the LPN education as a stepping stone to the RN program or to the school's bridge program. You get what you get, right? I remember during the last quarter of my curriculum, I had many meetings with the director. She was in the process of developing a bridge program for the school and advised me, "if an RN is what you really want to do, my advice would be to just go for it. Go to an RN program right away bc once you take the test, pass and get a job, it will be so hard for you to go back to school. Those nursing homes take advantage of LPNs and their time, You would be too exhausted to go school. Also, in this state, we are one of the first and few that are phasing LPNs out and I'm sure you know, you need a BSN by 2020 to work at a hospital." I believed her but for some reason, I didn't follow through.

I took the NCLEX twice within the year and found myself failing. I studied hard, studied with groups, kaplan, hurts, etc... my classmate said, "it's not you and the material, there's something in you that has to change or figure out to why you're not passing..." Long story short: Deep down inside I didn't want to work as an LPN or take a test or pass it because it was never what I wanted deep down inside (no offense to those that do). I was perfectly content keeping my CNA license and focus my energy on the bridge program. When times comes when I study the RN NCLEX, you bet I'm ready and actually excited to study for it. I did learn throughout this journey to have more faith and believe in myself. I never believed that I was a smart person. I grew up in a household where positive praise or self-respect/love was looked down upon, even if it was healthy. I had a breakthrough during the summer. I just started crying to my colleagues with the thought of going to my NCLEX review (i had scheduled the next day/weekend) and the test overall. THey told me to release the fear, thank it, and ask for guidance and remember things happen for a reason. I went into that review feeling so different...so light. I've never absorbed that information so much compared to before. It was like all the studying i did before never went through because there was a tremendous fear blocking it. I felt free and light and that I could do anything...even take that test. It was also a reminder (I felt) from the universe that no matter what happens, I must know my content -whether i take the test or not. I must know for my own good and for my own dreams (before RN program and if I want to teach in the future). I look back and realize it was everyone else's expectations of me and I just went along with it. My mom is a nurse and was saying, "if you don't pass this lpn, you will never pass the RN". I see her point but that's not true. I just feel like I've gained experience in taking this test and just about the lack of faith I had in myself. There's no way I could survive the remaining RN program with that mentality, even if it was subconscious. Even my classmates who have chosen to take the test and get jobs are telling me it's not worth working as an LPN now and would like to go back to school ASAP. Interestingly enough, once this hit me, my school finally had a bridge program and having an LPN license was optional :)

Since it's a whole 'nother application process, I took over pre-req classes (since they expired) and I've been doing very well, getting 4.0's. I'm also reviewing for the TEAS test right now and been focusing on that. I'm also still studying NCLEX stuff...and who knows? Maybe I'll take it for fun. I hope I'm doing the right thing...I think because I got back much from the experience...I'm good...is a license NEEDED? (according to the family, I'm a "failure" because I didn't take it. Too bad they don't understand how nursing schools work...They assumed once I got my LPN license, I could get a job the next day and make lots of money, which we all know isn't true).

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

If you are doing an LPN to RN bridge/career mobility program, you need an active valid LPN license usually as a condition if admission/enrollment. (At least for all the LPN-RN programs in my tri-state region. If you are doing a traditional ASN or BSN program then an LPN license is nice but not required (though if a program that requires a CNA cert the LPN education can exempt you from that requirement. ). Those that completed a PN program but did not get licensed for whatever reason must apply to the traditional ASN or RN program.

But the absolute definitive answer will come from the school of nursing that you are applying to. In my area you are not eligible for a LPN-RN bridge program as the license not just the diploma is one of the admissions requirements.

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You have to pass the NCLEX to so the bridge program. Because you need a license. Why not get your license and bridge? It is a little less time most places to bridge. Like 1 year vs 18 months.

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You have to pass the NCLEX to so the bridge program. Because you need a license. Why not get your license and bridge? It is a little less time most places to bridge. Like 1 year vs 18 months.

My school's bridge program is only 3 quarters and there is not license needed. It is optional

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Thanks for sharing your story! It is amazing how a change in attitude can turn things around as a student. The steps one takes to achieve their ultimate career goal have quite a variety in nursing. Some people do well in a step process and work at one level while studying for the next and others are more like your director described.

One of her points is not exactly true though - there is no deadline year for when a BSN will be required to work in a hospital. She most likely was referring to one of the recommendations in the 2010 Institute of Medicine report stating as a goal - they'd like to see an 80% BSN workforce by 2020.

Now that the nursing shortage is over and employers aren't scrambling to fill RN vacancies I expect the trend will be to build more bridges in existing LPN and ADN programs so currently working nurses can earn a BSN and stay viable in the job market.

Best wishes in your studies!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

If your program does not require an active license then your plan sounds most appropriate for your situation.

Good luck. Perhaps with less external stress to pass you will smash the NCLEX- PN beast in 85 questions. I'm certain being told (even the implication) you are a failure has to be difficult for you.

If I recall well you did very well academically & clinically in your practical nursing program and were even invited to an honor society. So clearly you have the intelligence and determination for nursing success. Best wishes

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