LPN-RN by correspondence? Help

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Specializes in Geriatric Psych.

I'm an LPN w/3 yrs experience in LTC. Never worked in a hospital except in nursing school. I'm thinking of getting my RN through correspondence courses, which would entail getting study materials through the mail, testing out for each course at a local testing center, and doing my clinicals in one or two weekends at a hospital. My reasons for this are: (1) I could get the RN much faster this way than the conventional way; (2) I am 47 years old, and feel kind of funny in classrooms with kids now; (3) I need to start making the money I could make as an RN; and (4) I simply want more nursing education. I am especially interested in comments from anyone who has done this or anyone who knows someone who has. After you/they got a job as an RN, were you/they treated differently than those who went through the conventional classroom program? Was it harder to get a job? Please help.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

I think that sounds great. What places are you looking at?

Ive known folks who did Excelsior and Graceland. They did beautifully.

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Specializes in Geriatric Psych.

To P_RN: Thanks for replying. I'm thinking about going through one of the study guide publishers such as Rue, through which I would then get the degree from Excelsior College. But I wonder if this is a huge waste of money vs just going through the college directly.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Just my own opinion but I think I'd rather deal directly with the college. Have you talked with anyone who has used Rue and said it was worthwhile? Another thought is perhaps Wisconsin-Linc or Jacksonville. Have you looked at either of them. They all cost quite a bit and you would want to chose wisely.

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I went through Regents (now Excelsior) You need to deal directly with the school, they have all the material you will need, along with your local medical library. Rue will be a waste of your money.

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I agree whole heartedly with lgcv. I went through a publisher (Moore) when i started at Excelsior and i spent 1,700 dollars that i never needed to spend. I tell everyone that they should deal directly with the college. The materials they supply are first rate and cheaper in the long run. I took a total of four months to finish my ADN degree from excelsion and it was a great choice for me. I would suggest that you take the clinical workshop prior to doing the clinical. It was a HUGE help to me and all my experience was in acute care so I know you would benefit from it also. Plus they showed you exactly how to pass and also how to fail. Good luck and I hope that soon you can count yourself part of our class of former LPN's that have made the big step.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I went from LPN to RN in bridge program, but did all my prereqs by correspondence. Hubby was in military and we moved very frequently. Worked for me!

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Nursnancy,

Don't worry about being the odd man out in the class room setting. Most of the people in my class are over the age of 30 and some older. The only difference we've noticed is that we older students' joints crack when we move. LOL :D

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I'd like to ask an additional question on top of 's: Is going the correspondence route deemed "good enough" by other RNs in the field? I, too, am considering such a program since I have been an LPN for more years than I'd like to admit, would like to further myself professionally and opportunities to take conventional college classes aren't feasible in my geographical area.

I would hate to spend time and money only to find that other RNs who went the conventional route wouldn't accept me as a peer.

Thanks for all replies. :)

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Specializes in Geriatrics, LTC.

Is there any websites for these places? I would be interested in checking into them. Thanks. :)

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Specializes in Geriatric Psych.

Greer128: Try http://www.regents.edu, which is the website for Excelsior College (fka Regents College).

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To nursnancy-- I graduated in October from Excelsior and definitely recommend it. Check out their website http://www.excelsior.edu/nur_home.htm for more info. It took me about 18 months to complete primarily because I had to take a few additional courses (micro, developmental psych, etc.) and I was juggling work, home and school (that and I got a little lazy at times :rolleyes: ). Request a packet from them and submit your app + all transcripts and they will essentially compile a "completion plan" for you. It's a little overwhelming in the beginning but once you get the hang of it, it gets better. I was completely stressed over the clinical exam because I have limited hospital experience as well....but I passed with flying colors. (I didn't take the workshop but I have heard that it is valuable and would recommend it.)

I was able to secure a job before I even graduated and took boards at a local teaching hospital in the Labor and Delivery Unit and although I declined to keep that position, I was treated as an equal from day one. The program is accredited by NLN and you will be eligible to sit for boards -- and don't forget the experience you have as an LPN! You can e-mail me if you would like any additional info. Best of luck!

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