LPN Petition to Take RN Boards

Woodenpug, BSN · Jun 29, 2008

I think most of the people opposed to the lpn challenging the boards had little hospital experience as lpn's before going to RN school.

I did not bridge, I went the full three years because the bridge program amounted to a savings of only one semester for LVN's.

My LVN school was three semesters long and gave 50 semester units credit for completing the full course. My BSN program was six semesters long and I earned 60 semester units for completing the program.

The learning experience at BSN school was little more than jumping through hoops. I've learned a lot since working as an RN, on the job. Yes it is very different being an RN, but the nursing program was of little or no benefit.

A CNA should be able to complete LPN school with two additional semesters. An LPN should be able to complete an ADN program with only one additional semester to cover those things which are not covered in the LPN program.

I signed the petition and support the idea of letting experienced LPN/LVN's challenge the boards.

On a related matter, an IV certified LVN, in CA, who then gets IV med certified as an LPN in Michigan, will have had the opportunity to pass all medications passed by an RN with the exception of those drugs which require further certification for an RN to pass. The license is transferable but neither state accepts IV certification from the other.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2008

Hi there,
How accepted was the Excelsior grad RN in the working community or different states? I have heard conflicting comments.

An Excelsior education is absolutely not accepted by the California Board of Registered Nursing due to the lack of clinical hours. In addition, several other states have restrictions on Excelsior.

Jules A, MSN · Jun 29, 2008

An Excelsior education is absolutely not accepted by the California Board of Registered Nursing due to the lack of clinical hours. In addition, several other states have restrictions on Excelsior.

Maryland doesn't accept it any longer either.

Pipsqueak, ADN · Jun 30, 2008

I too do not agree with allowing an LPN to challange the RN boards. I am currently halfway thru the LPN to RN excelsior program and while much of what I've studied was review, a large portion of the curriculum has expanded on what I already knew into greater detail. This learning is invaluable. I think I'm a pretty darn good nurse now, but this education will make me a better one. And being a good LPN does not necessarily make a good RN. There is always room for improvement and greater knowledge.

I completely understand the viewpoint of some of the previous posters who say they have broadened their knowledge, stayed current, and even studied and learned things that are not even within their current scope. I think that's awesome that someone is motivated and wants to have this knowledge. This person could be my nurse anyday! However I still don't think they should be allowed to challenge the RN boards.

What scares me about this is the fact that not everyone who would be able to challange the RN boards would be qualified to do so. There are many LPN's who would probably be successful at passing the actual exam even if they do not have the extra knowlege that is taught in an RN program. How do we distinguish between those LPN's who haven't bothered to broaden their knowlege base? The ones who believe that they are no different than an RN are the ones that scare me. You don't know what you don't know. What about the ones who say they have the knowlege but they really don't? We shouldn't be allowing everyone with x amount of clinical experience the potluck chance of passing the NCLEX RN. Clinical experience does not always equate with having a broad knowlege base. And presently the only way to distinguish between those who have the knowlege and those who don't is by returning to school. I just don't think that the NCLEX is sufficient enough to determine the difference. There is a difference in education otherwise LPN's wouldn't exist, we'd all be RN's.

So to sum it up, I guess what I'm trying to say is that while it may be an appropriate avenue for a select few, challanging the RN boards would not be appropriate for most, and knowing human nature, people are going to try for it anyway regardless if they should. Then we will have a whole slew of practicing RN's who just might not be as competent (you don't know what you don't know) as those who have the education to back it up (validated by passing approved tests).

Woodenpug, BSN · Jun 30, 2008

Yes, I thought the NCLEX was very easy. But if it does not test for sufficient knowledge to begin practice as a safe RN, what's the point of the NCLEX? Would you feel more comfortable if they were given only one chance to challenge the NCLEX? Should the NCLEX be tougher, since so many people seem to feel that it does not test for knowledge unless a person has jumped through all the hoops before taking the test?

Super Nurf · Jun 30, 2008

I think it's a great idea, but some course work would be required, and I stress "some" not a ton. I find after all my years as an LPN I am a resource for the RNs, and I think my knowledge and experience should count towards something. I think this is an excellent begninning of an idea that is worthwhile of a look-see to help solve the RN shortage.

BrokenRNheart · Jul 24, 2008

Just been made aware of this petition.

Why not take advantage of all the "nurses" that we have out there. LPN's already have the education and training. It would be a cheaper and quicker resolution than trying to hustle more students through especially considering the wait lists.

However, you still have to face the unsafe nurse to patient ratios.

I have signed your petition, how about signing this one.

http://www.petitiononline.com/nurse/petition.html

signatures are not viewable on the internet to protect nurses.

BrokenRNheart · Jul 24, 2008

I believe they need to look at our LPN's for staffing and offer assistance for them to go from LPN to RN if they are going to be giving money away to people with NO nursing experience at all.

They need to assist our LPN's to an RN first!

If they can use accelerated bachelor's programs with people that have NO medical experience, then they can incorporate something for LPN's. If they are giving away funding, they should start with LPN's because they already have some experience.

Just as there are brand new grads that can pass boards and not cut it as a nurse, the LPN would be responsible for her own level of knowledge as well as her license. There are a lot of nurses out there that I wouldn't want taking care of my loved ones so just because they passed boards, doesn't mean they are ready.

I'm just thinking that if this "shortage" is such a crisis that they are willing to give away education.....then start with the cheapest and quickest and most available. Get LPN's to RN's.

BrokenRNheart · Jul 24, 2008

I have known some smart LPNs and BSNs, some dumb LPNs and BSNs, and also some smart ASNs and dumb ASNs...How about that? LOL

Exactly...as I said....responsible for our own knowledge, our own license and our own a**

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Jul 24, 2008

i don't believe this will happen.... i am a RN , but i can tell you why this won't happen... first congress would need to pass a law to change the nurse practice acts for each the LPN and the RN and then each state would have to approve it .... i actually spoke to someone at my state board about this because i wondered if it was a good idea.. and they told me... no it probably wouldn't happen because the nurse practice acts are so diffrerent for RN's and LPN's. that isn't feasable at this time and to be a RN you must attend a degree program and take RN boards. that my state won't consider it ...... we don't have a nursing shortage in my state.... actually we have to alot of RN's and staff our hospital only with RN's and able to do so easily.

also dosen't calif have a program where you can work as a RN if you are a LPN? what is that called? is there other states that do that?

by the way i have nothing against LPN's i was one for over 20 years

mustangqueen · Jul 24, 2008

I personally think that this is a good idea. First off, excelsior college --my state connecticut does not accept this as a opportunity for LPNs to make the transition. In fact you have to take additional courses in the state of connecticut to even be considered to take the boards.

Also i found that many of the LPNs that go to through distance learning or excelsior college, hospitals wont even look at you because of experience issues even with RN behind your name. this is the honest to god truth. I feel it is very difficult to try to get your RN even through a bridge program because it will only get you out of nursing 101. belive me i have done my research. so ok.....let LPNs get the "education" the RNs so dearly want us to have. I am not knocking RNs at all mind you :). But if u want education provide it give it to us. Make it a easier transition so we can do the job we are ment to do which is "taking care of people" I am not looking for a short cut by any means. I do feel that alot LPNs do function at a RN level, so give us that chance ... educate us:heartbeat:nuke:

Jules A, MSN · Jul 24, 2008

But if u want education provide it give it to us. Make it a easier transition so we can do the job we are ment to do which is "taking care of people" I am not looking for a short cut by any means. I do feel that alot LPNs do function at a RN level, so give us that chance ... educate us:heartbeat:nuke:

Hi and welcome!

I totally agree that most LPNs are capable of functioning at a RN level and many do almost the same job however it isn't our responsibility to educate you. :)

I did the LPN to ADN bridge program at a community college. I was actually accepted into 3 programs within an hour of my home. I did a short summer mini-mester and the last two semesters of the RN program. I continued working while in school and the total cost was under $4,000. I would be nearly certain that all states have a CC offering a bridge program so definitely check with yours. Mine couldn't have been easier or cheaper when I look at what I got in return. After I passed my RN boards I got a $15 an hour increase with very little difference in my job responsibilities.

Bottom line is that only you can find a program your BON recognizes, meet their requirements to get in and do the work to get your degree. Definitely start doing whatever necessary to get your RN if that is a goal you are interested in. Best of luck, Jules