LPN to RN transition

runsalot · Sep 22, 2014

Sounds like you like your current patient population. No reason you cannot continue to work in that type of facility as an rn.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 22, 2014

You can earn your RN license and continue to work in LTC as a floor nurse. The major difference is that you'll receive higher pay for doing essentially the same job.

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Sep 22, 2014

If you are in the 3rd semester, FINISH it. That doesn't make you an RN....the NCLEX does. But no one says you have to take the NCLEX. If you are happy as an LPN, stay at that level. I enjoyed my LPN career for 24 years before the economy forced me back to school. Yes, it's more money. But it also has more responsibility, more headaches, and more hassles. But what job doesn't? If you move into a higher position as an LPN, you will find those same characteristics there. Peace of mind speaks volumes! If you decide to one day become an RN, you will already have the ASN degree required for the NCLEX. Just keep up with change requirements because ASN degrees tomorrow might require more or additional components than the ones of today. If that happens, you would definitely want to go ahead and validate that degree by following through with the NCLEX. Also, some boards of nursing requires that the NCLEX be successfully completed within a specified amount of time after graduating without being required to remediate some of the coursework.

This is is your life and your career. None of those people who are "harassing" you are in class with you, are they? But, in their defense, I have to believe that they mean well and only want what's best for you. Only you know that, though. Now, you can take the NCLEX for RN and still maintain your LPN license and remain in LTC. It's just so complicated, though, if an employer knows that you possess an RN license. And there may be some issues later if you continue to work as an LPN if your employer wants your signature on an RN application so that they can fill a gap.

I will ill say this, though. With the major changes happening today involving the BSN movement, a lot of ASN RNs are being detoured into LTC. If that continues, (it might be 20 years from now, longer, or sooner), those same detours of ASN RNs will eventually push the LPNs right out the door. The you-know-what flows downhill. Having an RN license will guarantee your survival in this profession of nursing more than an LPN license will. There are quite a few RNs being forced to get their BSNs in order to maintain their positions, and I'm talking about nurses who have been in the field for years! They are being told to get it or lose their jobs. For many of them and for new grad RNs, they can only find positions in LTC. As the one with the higher education, those ASNs will boot out the LPNs.

I should know. I'm a former LPN-turned-ASN-turned-BSN-RN....all from eavesdropping on the grapevine. And I did it all BEFORE my employers started issuing out the ultimatums. That made my transition stress-free. Can you imagine trying to study schoolwork with the stress of knowing that your job, and therefore your livelihood, is riding on the success or failure of each exam you take? I posted on this forum somewhere else that an LPN friend of mine will be unemployed as of January 1st because her employer wants RNs only. She's been with these folks for 17 years and it is a hospital job. So she will be knocking on the doors of LTC very soon. No offense, but an experienced nurse like that will put someone like you in the unemployment lines. But of course, you as an RN with no experience, will cause her to trade spots with you in that line. Get it?

I hope this provides some degree of clarity for you. If you need more, go to the "Registered Nurses: Diploma-ASN-BSN" thread and read the struggles going on there. Good luck to you!

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Sep 22, 2014

You can earn your RN license and continue to work in LTC as a floor nurse. The major difference is that you'll receive higher pay for doing essentially the same job.

Yup!! Even if you love your Lvn job-and I love mine as well as love the pay- you will get paid a little bit more if you stay.

If for no other reason, that's part of the reason I will complete my RN.

But I have friends who have no desire to change from Lvn to RN. It's a personal choice.

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Sep 22, 2014

My goodness! Sorry about the novel I posted. :blink:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 22, 2014

My goodness! Sorry about the novel I posted.

No problem. We always welcome the expertise and wisdom that longtime nurses are willing to share. :)

Mandylpn · Sep 23, 2014

I just have to chime in. I would encourage you to stick it out. You must be in first semester if you just took Transitions? think of the future and how much you could improve your income, plus have way more flexibility of places to work. If you work LTC there is a good chance someday you may injure your back, that would limit you as an LPN of places to work. You sound like a really smart person, just my opinion but I would not step out of the RN program. Best of luck, you should be very proud of yourself!