Are LPN to RN Programs Designed for working nurses ?

Students LPN-RN

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Like all newly licensed LPNs, I expected to find it challenging to get employed ! at least for the first 4-5 months, now that this time has pasted, I still have not found a job, and I want to go back and get my RN at one of the local schools. I was talking to an employed LPN who left RN school because she didn't know the "skills" that she needed, to past RN school. Her instructor, informed her, that she needed to acquire these "skills" for herself, on the job, because usually, LPN to RN programs, are geared toward working LPN who want to go back to get RN. So should LPNs work and gain experience in the field before entering the LPN to RN programs ?

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

I personally think you have nothing to lose by pursuing the RN. In fact, your chances will be better that you will be hired quicker as a new-grad RN as opposed to a never-employed LPN.

I've worked as an LPN in the not-to-distant past while I was pursuing my RN degree, and one of the hospitals that I worked for hired this former nursing-home-only LPN-turned-BSN RN in the ER. I had been at this facility for 2 years as an LPN with more than 20 years of experience and could not even get an ORIENTATION in the ER and I had more than 10 years of solid med/surg experience. Well, here comes Miss High-Stepping BSN, advertising her degree on her cute little nurses bag, going to her job as an ER nurse. Well, guess what? She couldn't cut it! Never started an IV, as they didn't do them at her nursing home job, and couldn't keep up with the fast pace. But because she had the right initials behind her name and I did not, she was the one who was selected for the position. (And, NO! I have absolutely nothing against BSN nurses...trying to get there myself! LOL!)

So, they finally pulled her to the med/surg department because SHE???? felt she needed a little more experience to polish up her skills. (Yeah, right...it was all YOUR decision.) But she, out of paranoia I guess, felt compelled to explain why she was no longer in ER because no nurse that I've seen in my 27 years of nursing, would purposely leave the ER to work med/surg. I'm sure there are some; I'm just saying that I've never seen them. Long story short, after 3 months of employment, she was let go because she had no skills whatsoever. There is nothing wrong with having no skills; LPN, RN, or BSN. Just be straight forward with a potential employer and sell yourself as a person eager to learn and embrace whatever resources they offer to mold you into the nurse that THEY want you to be as a member of the team.

All that to say this: You will get farther as an RN than you will as an LPN, experienced or not. I know because I've been there. I'm sure there are those out there who will disagree with me and that's fine. I'm just saying that this was my experience been brushed to the side for a person that had the 'right' credentials even though that's ALL she had.

Go get the RN! Worry about the rest later. Doors will start to open eventually. Good luck!

murse301

8 Posts

Thanks, your advice is great ! i gonna keep it up thanks

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