Lpn program compared to rn program

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2014

I'm just curious to those who have completed this program how it compared to your lpn program.

In my opinion, the LVN program was more challenging than the RN program.

Nightowl_lpn · Apr 10, 2014

Thank you for saying that, I hope I feel the same way. Did you work while doing the bridge program?did you stay at your same place of employment as an lpn to a rn? If so how was the transition?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2014

Did you work while doing the bridge program?

Yes, I worked 32 hours per week while going to school. I worked weekend doubles (two 16 hour shifts every Saturday and Sunday) as an LVN at a nursing home, which permitted me to have Monday through Friday off to study.

did you stay at your same place of employment as an lpn to a rn? If so how was the transition?

No, I left as soon as I found another job.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Apr 10, 2014

never was an LVN but I believe the first encounter with nursing is the hardest. It is like learning a new culture and new language. Now you have something to build your new knowledge on and that should be a help. As for time and assignments - you have to focus and make the time. If nursing school is not your priority then your grades will suffer. Later you will be glad you sacrificed the time. Good luck in your studies!

Karou · Apr 10, 2014

Academically, I thought the LVN program was more difficult and that I learned the most from it.

About half of my bridge class consisted of very experienced LVN's who had years of acute care experience. The other half (myself included) had one year of experience in sub acute settings, or had not worked as an LVN at all. Most of our instructors would go over lectures briefly if at all. There was a huge assumption that since we were licensed, we already knew this information. I focused on my textbook over lectures and would say many of my classmates did the same.

I did work through school. At first I did double weekends (16 hrs sat and sun) at the nursing home I already worked at. When classes got more difficult at the end, I went PRN and worked less. After I completed the program and passed boards I quit and got a job elsewhere.

Nightowl_lpn · Apr 10, 2014

Thank you for your feedback.

kiszi, RN · Apr 10, 2014

I second what has been said about RN coursework being easier, because you already have basic nursing knowledge and have begun to "think like a nurse." It's a great idea to continue your education now while the "textbook" way to do things is still fresh in your mind. I personally didn't go back to school for 4 years after becoming an LPN but that was ok too because I had experience to draw from. My program integrated the LPN-RN students in with the traditional track students after one semester, and I felt I had a huge advantage both in classroom work and clinicals. You will do great!

I also worked full-time while in the program and transitioned to a new position similar to my old one. I did not find the transition difficult, but then I was ready for the autonomy already.

BrandonLPN, LPN · Apr 10, 2014

I think it's somewhat misleading for LPNs who go on to RN to say that RN school is "easier". It would be more accurate to say that LPNs generally have an easier time in an RN program than do students who were never LPNS.

What I will say is that it's annoying when people (almost always RNs who were never LPNs) imply that LPNs will have a hard time in RN school because they only were trained in the technical aspects of nursing. I swear to God, if I hear one more person say that LPNs "know the hows but not the whys", I'll puke. Apart from being a tired cliche, it's also not true.

I know "why" I do things. I know why I give a medication. I know why I do a treatment. I know why I'm checking a set of vitals, why I'm doing a particular assessment, why we're checking daily weights and I and O, why I'm calling the doctor and why he gives me the orders he does. Really, I do. I promise.

when a LPN becomes an RN, it's building on what's already there. It's not learning "a whole new way of thinking" or anything like that.

applewhitern, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2014

I wasn't an LPN, but my co-workers who were LPN's have said the classes and information are basically the same, just more in depth. I agree it seems easier because you are already a nurse, and you are really just reviewing information you already had.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2014

I think it's somewhat misleading for LPNs who go on to RN to say that RN school is "easier". It would be more accurate to say that LPNs generally have an easier time in an RN program than do students who were never LPNS.

Some people who were never LPNs have disagreed with this statement in the past. They claimed that their LPN transition students in their classes struggled with 'critical thinking' and has trouble grasping the material.

Due to my personal experiences I call shenanigans.

kiszi, RN · Apr 10, 2014

I should clarify that I felt RN coursework was personally easier than LPN coursework solely because I already had that foundation. Had I entered the same RN program without previous medical training it's hard to say how difficult it would have been.

While I agree that LPN training involves sooo much more than nursing tasks, I would disagree somewhat with the assertion that you don't learn a new way of thinking as an RN. I held leadership roles as an LPN and performed many of the same functions as an RN. But there is still a shift in thinking I experienced in making the transition that went beyond classroom training. It was a role shift that I needed to understand and wrap my head around to be successful as an RN.