LPN toRN How does this work?

USA987, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 15, 2004

I went to LPN school first. Fulll-time was 11 months and part-time was 2 yrs. While working as an LPN I got all my RN prereqs out of the way (A&P, Micro, etc.) and then I work just a few shifts a month during my bridge program. The bridge program started in June 2002 and I graduated in June 2003.

I know there are varying opinions on going this route. But it worked well for me and I don't regret getting my LPN 1st. My LPN program was so much heavier with clinical experiences than my RN.

Good luck!!

SunnyRn2B · Jan 15, 2004

USA987 Thanks! That sounds good to me. :) I checked on a private school today and they will be offering an RN program for

LPNs. I was told if you are already an LPN, the program at this school will be 1 year for RN. I am still checking this out. One nurse

told me, if you are an LPN, then become an RN, just look at as more experience. I really want to be an RN, so I will do what I have to do. Thanks again, USA987

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 15, 2004

If you want to be an RN go straight for RN......LPN experience while beneficial, is not necessary,! And going back to school sucks. I would go STRAIGHT for my goal, not stopping til i get there, moving on the wave of momentum...... that is what i did. And I am SO glad I did. I just wish it had been a BSN but that was not possible. The nearest BSN was 100 miles away. SO back to school for me......

GO FOR IT! good luck.

elkpark · Jan 16, 2004

I agree with SmilingBlueEyes -- if you know what you want, go for it. I've been through a diploma program, BSN completion program, MSN program, and have taught in a community college ADN program. I believe firmly that, if there is an educational goal you really want to achieve, there is a way to achieve it. Have you _really_ looked for scholarship/grant programs? There is a lot of money floating around out there for nursing education, if you really look.

Having said that, I will also say that the ADN program in which I taught would accept LPNs for the second year of the program to finish the program and write the NCLEX, BUT they only took LPNs in when an opening became available (e.g., a 1st year student left the program for some reason ). So, that was not something you could plan on. There was always a waiting list of LPNs who were hoping to get into the second year.

I really feel strongly about doing what you need to do to get what you want, even if it means taking out lots of student loans. I firmly believe that education is the best thing you can go into debt for -- of all the things we borrow money to pay for, your education is the ONLY thing that no one can take away from you once you've got it!

SunnyRn2B · Jan 16, 2004

Elkpark, I agree with you about debt and education. I have to use student loans. I will be checking out a program today. I am j not just going to give up! :nono: Not in my vocabulary, at least not yet. I always believed if you can't go over the mountain, go thru it. I really appreciate all the info and suggestions from all of you. By the way, I have had a LOT of encouragement from RNs that come into my workplace. They usually say things like, "Go for it, we really need you" This is what helps me and others like me, is this encouragement.

msummar_smc · Jan 16, 2004

I agree with the idea of just going for it. A little background on me. I have a wife, 2 year old son, and a 3 month old baby girl. And I just went back to school full time to get my BSN. I have an undergraduate degree in another discipline and have 5+ years of corporate work, but I always found myself wishing that I had gotten my BSN my first time through college.

My wife and I sat down and made a budget - tight, but livable. We applied for student loans and every scholarship/grant that I am eligible for and we are going to school. I am going full time this semester to get the few pre-reqs I didn't have and I start in the fall. I eventually want to get an MSN in Nurse Anesthesia, but you never know what you are going to fall in love with once you get into a program or job.

If there is something you want bad enough, then just do it. It can be done, you just have to set your mind to it and do it.