both programs are a challenge. I'm a LPN in a bridge program for my RN . i work and school both full time but I think that the experience that I got as a LPN helped in the RN program. You already have the general concepts of nursing and jut build on that. I chose this avenue b/c all of the RN programs here in OH have a waiting list and I figured I could get some experience and make more money.
Yeah over here in FL its the same thing. This one girl in my CNA class has all pre-reqs done and she said she will go to a private college for her RN, willing to pay 20,000 because she doesnt want to wait.
Specializes in Med Surg, ICU, home&pub health, pvt duty.
Hi everyone, Can anybody let me in on some advice or facts about the bridge over programs? Is it more overwhelming then just doing separate programs? I want to use stepping stones, since I think I learn better that way. Bridging to RN-sounds like they CRAM EVERYTHING IN 9 months time!?
what do you think?
Transitioning from an LVN program to an RN program can be overwhelming. It's overwheming for regular RN students and they are not bridging. Here is what makes the situatio overwhelming.
1. You will be required to produce at the level of the current RN students and the product you produce must adhere to the nursing model the school is using.
2. Many LVN schools do not require care plans or they the care plan they taught may be far different from what is required in RN school.
3. You will be held at a higher standard than the RN student who is at the same level.
4. Some schools don't really have a 'bridge' program. They put the LVN student into the level but the class may be mixed--RN students and bridge students. If the class is mixed, the professor may teach to the RN students and forget that bridge students may not have the info the professor is referring to.
5. Many ADN programs require written reports, group or individual presentions; many LVNs may not be as proficient as other non bridge rn students.
6. ADN school is not LVN school; some find the transition difficult.
I compare going into an RN program as an advanced student or into the bridge program like stepping onto a moving escallator. The nursing school is going full speed and when you step in be prepared to go from standing still to full speed. It can be overwhelming.
Transitioning from an LVN program to an RN program can be overwhelming. It's overwheming for regular RN students and they are not bridging. Here is what makes the situatio overwhelming.
1. You will be required to produce at the level of the current RN students and the product you produce must adhere to the nursing model the school is using.
2. Many LVN schools do not require care plans or they the care plan they taught may be far different from what is required in RN school.
3. You will be held at a higher standard than the RN student who is at the same level.
4. Some schools don't really have a 'bridge' program. They put the LVN student into the level but the class may be mixed--RN students and bridge students. If the class is mixed, the professor may teach to the RN students and forget that bridge students may not have the info the professor is referring to.
5. Many ADN programs require written reports, group or individual presentions; many LVNs may not be as proficient as other non bridge rn students.
6. ADN school is not LVN school; some find the transition difficult.
I compare going into an RN program as an advanced student or into the bridge program like stepping onto a moving escallator. The nursing school is going full speed and when you step in be prepared to go from standing still to full speed. It can be overwhelming.
Take care.
So do you think getting into an RN program and just skipping LPN would be much less overwhelming? Your post sounds this way. I know it wont be easy. Especially for me, I have not even taken my State Exam for CNA yet. So I have a long way to go- I just don't know what to do!!
Specializes in Med Surg, ICU, home&pub health, pvt duty.
So do you think getting into an RN program and just skipping LPN would be much less overwhelming? Your post sounds this way. I know it wont be easy. Especially for me, I have not even taken my State Exam for CNA yet. So I have a long way to go- I just don't know what to do!!
I wish they weren't phasing out LPNs!!
The choice is yours LVN or RN--you will be paying the bills. However, transitioning from LVN to RN can be extremely challenging because you must change the way you operate to adapt to the way the school does things.
LVN school can be pricey if you go to a private school; if at all possible go to a community college. You can work once you have your LVN; some facilities will sponsor sponsor additional education. Note that not all schools are the same; some private schools are not certified and some schools are not authorized by the Board in all states.
RN school normally has a wait list. Once again, it is cheaper to to a state facility whether it is for your ADN or BSN. Sometimes it is easier to get into an ADN or BSN program than to try to find a bridge program.
Hi! I think it's important to say that LPN's will NEVER be phased out. They've been saying that for years and it's not happening. Yes, it comes in phases (usually during a recession) that hospitals stop hiring LPN's for a while. My husband's grandmother has been an RN for many years (she's 90) and has seen this play out several times. She says she can't imagine LTC without LPN's. The newer rumor is that ADN's will be phased out and you'll need no less than a BSN to get hired as a nurse. Chicken Little always has something new about nursing's sky.
I totally agree with the OP about waiting lists and lottery type odds for entrance into RN programs. Very frustrating. After meeting a woman in my local CC who has been waiting to get into the RN program for over 3 years I went for the LPN program and will bridge.
Thank you for your private message. I don't have access to send private messages yet! But I want to respond to your question. I am not familiar with the program that you asked me about so I am unable to comment about it. What I do know is that the Western Governors University program is an accredited program (CCNE accreditation) that provides quality education. We currently have five clinical sites in Southern California. The way our program is set up you complete the didactic component online, attend labs on 3 weekends per course, and then have a clinical intensive where you work your coach's schedule for a minimum of 5 shifts over a two week period. The program is NOT easy! But we find that LVNs do very well, provided they are disciplined to stay on track with the didactic material.
We admit cohorts several times a year. I'd suggest you take a look at the WGU program at www.wgu.edu and compare to the other program you're considering. The MOST important question is whether the other program is accredited. If it is not accredited, you don't want to go there. If it is, then compare costs and clinical requirements and see what fits your lifestyle best.
lina.561
171 Posts
Yeah over here in FL its the same thing. This one girl in my CNA class has all pre-reqs done and she said she will go to a private college for her RN, willing to pay 20,000 because she doesnt want to wait.