LPN to RN Experiences Shared

AJayG3310 · May 18, 2014

I hope you get some replies to your post. I'm curious as well to hear what others have to say. I'm applying to the bridge program at my state college here in Fort Myers, FL once I'm done with pre-reqs the end of spring 2015.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 18, 2014

1. I attended a trade school in Oklahoma City.

2. I had 4 years of LPN experience when I earned the RN license.

3. I completed an LPN-to-ASN program.

4. It was a for-profit trade school that accepted anyone with an LPN license who could pass the NET test with a minimum cut score of 55 percent or greater.

5. Yes.

6. My first RN position paid $28 hourly back in 2010 in Texas, but I had been earning $27 as an LVN, so the pay raise was not that much. But I found a PRN job paying $36 per hour and still remain there.

hopefull1n30188 · May 18, 2014

1. I attended a trade school in Oklahoma City.
2. I had 4 years of LPN experience when I earned the RN license.
3. I completed an LPN-to-ASN program.
4. It was a for-profit trade school that accepted anyone with an LPN license who could pass the NET test with a minimum cut score of 55 percent or greater.
5. Yes.
6. My first RN position paid $28 hourly back in 2010 in Texas, but I had been earning $27 as an LVN, so the pay raise was not that much. But I found a PRN job paying $36 per hour and still remain there.

That's awesome. I have a friend who was a LPN for 15 years and just completed his RN last year. He is currently in the middle of a BSN program. His only complaint is that it's like starting all over again.

How difficult was it to find work once you graduated? How is it working in TX?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 20, 2014

How difficult was it to find work once you graduated? How is it working in TX?

When I earned the LPN license in 2006, finding work was easy because the recession had not yet hit. By the time I got the RN license in 2010, the local job market was flooded with too many nurses, so the only thing I could find was a part time nursing home gig.

And the only reason I got that job is because I personally knew the DON since I had previously worked for her.

RNyourBusiness · May 31, 2014

I completed an LVN to RN associates program in Texas.

My story...Last year I started the program. At the beginning of the spring (final) semester I unexpectedly found out I was pregnant. I went through the semester but had some complications and it was really hard for me. Ultimately, I failed the last semester by two points on the final. I was devastated. But, I took a break, had my baby, and came back this spring and completed the semester and finally graduated! I Just took my NCLEX-RN on Wednesday (had 75 questions) and found out yesterday that I passed!

It was a long journey but soooo worth it. I've been an LVN for 7 years, btw...I struggled with thinking about real life nursing and not NCLEX world and in that sense, my experience hurt me in school more than helped me. It's hard to erase reality and think textbook again, IMO. But I wouldn't change me experience now. I feel like a stronger nurse because of it!

Last year when I failed, I had already been offered a position as an RN at a hospital that I've worked at as an LVN for 4 years.The salary was 55k yearly. When I failed, they let me keep the position but lowered my pay to 45k since I was an LPN. Now that I've passed and I'm licensed, I plan to stay in my position but the salary will now go up to 55k.

hopefull1n30188 · Jun 1, 2014

I completed an LVN to RN associates program in Texas.
My story...Last year I started the program. At the beginning of the spring (final) semester I unexpectedly found out I was pregnant. I went through the semester but had some complications and it was really hard for me. Ultimately, I failed the last semester by two points on the final. I was devastated. But, I took a break, had my baby, and came back this spring and completed the semester and finally graduated! I Just took my NCLEX-RN on Wednesday (had 75 questions) and found out yesterday that I passed!
It was a long journey but soooo worth it. I've been an LVN for 7 years, btw...I struggled with thinking about real life nursing and not NCLEX world and in that sense, my experience hurt me in school more than helped me. It's hard to erase reality and think textbook again, IMO. But I wouldn't change me experience now. I feel like a stronger nurse because of it!
Last year when I failed, I had already been offered a position as an RN at a hospital that I've worked at as an LVN for 4 years.The salary was 55k yearly. When I failed, they let me keep the position but lowered my pay to 45k since I was an LPN. Now that I've passed and I'm licensed, I plan to stay in my position but the salary will now go up to 55k.

That's so amazing. Congratulations on everything.

I keep telling myself that if I'm going to do the LPN thing 1st, I need to bridge ASAP. I've always been realistic in the fact that having a long career as a LPN can make it difficult to go back to school and go back to textbook scenarios.

I am so happy that you didn't give up and passed your boards. I'm sure the $10k pay increase will help with the new baby. I'm a man and am about to cry just thinking about the situation

RNyourBusiness · Jun 1, 2014

That's so amazing. Congratulations on everything.
I keep telling myself that if I'm going to do the LPN thing 1st, I need to bridge ASAP. I've always been realistic in the fact that having a long career as a LPN can make it difficult to go back to school and go back to textbook scenarios.
I am so happy that you didn't give up and passed your boards. I'm sure the $10k pay increase will help with the new baby. I'm a man and am about to cry just thinking about the situation

Thank you so much! I've just been so excited about finally being done. It was a hard journey, and he was baby #4 for us! I certainly couldn't have done it without the support of my husband and family, and in that sense, I am blessed. But yes, I agree that if you can bridge right away, do it. But, if you can't, it can still be done even if it's hard, and I'm living proof of that! Good luck in your endeavors!

usnretired1997 · Jun 1, 2014

Our LVN-RN (Texas) starts Wednesday. I am nervous as we took the NCLEX-PN yesterday and can't get any info for the quick answer as it apparently has to be verified by a live person at Pearson Vue before you can do that and nobody works weekends.

We both got 85 questions and are nervous. Got the positive response on the "Trick" but am still anxious. Trying to get my mind off it and wait till tomorrow!!!

Good Luck.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jun 1, 2014

Thank you so much! I've just been so excited about finally being done. It was a hard journey, and he was baby #4 for us! I certainly couldn't have done it without the support of my husband and family, and in that sense, I am blessed. But yes, I agree that if you can bridge right away, do it. But, if you can't, it can still be done even if it's hard, and I'm living proof of that! Good luck in your endeavors!

Everyone told me to bridge before I had any kids, now that I'm pregnant with my first I see why. Haha. I should've listened!?

RNyourBusiness · Jun 2, 2014

Everyone told me to bridge before I had any kids, now that I'm pregnant with my first I see why. Haha. I should've listened!?

Lol! You'll work it out and be thankful for the path you were given. Good luck!! :)

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jun 2, 2014

Lol! You'll work it out and be thankful for the path you were given. Good luck!! :)

I am so thankful. Things are actually really great in my life. Even though I had this set back, it is totally worth it!