LPN to RN, will being a PN hinder my progress?

[Vital2U85, ASN, BSN]

Hey All!

I've been an LPN for 5 years and will be starting the Nursing Program in August. The director of the program made it clear that being an LPN can either help me or hurt me. She said she's has many experience with LPNs that are so stuck in their ways that it hinders them in the clinical portion. Has anyone experience this before?

[kiszi, RN]

I found being an experienced LPN in RN clinicals to be nothing but an immense help. I think the key is to be open-minded and willing to learn different and new ways of doing things. Good luck to you!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

To be honest, my transition as a new grad RN was pretty rocky, because by the time I started as a new grad, I was proficient as a LPN in a state with a wide scope; however, I had to transition into a beginner RN-I had specialized knowledge and knew how to critically think, however, I had to put good use to my new knowledge as well.

What helped was figuring out what I needed, got the experience, and then being receptive to the new knowledge and getting that "a-HA!" moment, and it came together; now I am comfortable in my skin as a "beginner RN" at the 3 year mark. :)

It will not hinder your progress; you may have to work extra hard to transition, but use it as a strength, NOT a weakness.

[Vital2U85, ASN, BSN]

Thank you for your feedback! I'm ready and eagdr to go in with an open mind