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Discussion

LPNs to RN: does your experience count

Hello, I just posted about wanting to become a CNA but I do not think that is really true. I guess I just want a quick way to get into the health care field & make some p/t money (while working f/t). I want to apply to an LPN program but felt discouraged because many people I spoke to said in order to be successful I should not work f/t (married, along with taking care of family of 5 kids) now I'm thinking about an LPN program (again) but I am finding a lot of info about LPNs who went on to become an RN just to find their previous experience does not help them get a job as an RN. Or maybe it depends on the place? If I put in 2-4 yrs as an LPN, get my ADN, & apply for a hospital job perhaps, would I still be considered a new grad? What has your experience been like?

I may decide that I am ok with being an LPN & don't want to continue on but I also do not want to be phased out. If being an RN is what I need to do to keep a job in the future, then I will do what needs to be done.

Thanks in advance.

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    It really depends on where you work. I started working as a LPN while finishing my last year of my ADN program. I stayed with my employer when I became a RN, so I didn't lose anything with the transition. I've had several jobs since then, some counted my year as a LPN, some only counted it as 6 months, and some didn't count it at all. It varies from place to place. I've worked for places that still considered new RNs as new grads even if they were a LPN prior to becoming a RN. I think having the LPN experience helped some of them get the job over other new grads though, so I don't think it was worthless.

    As for going to school and working at the same time, it will depend on you and your support system. I went to nursing school full time while working full time as a single mom, but I had a great support system. I wouldn't have been able to do it without them.

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    I think it depends on where you work. I was an LVN prior to RN - when I finished my RN program and was hired at a hospital they gave me credit for my work experience as an LVN. So even though I was a new RN grad - my pay started out alittle higher then the others I started with because of my LVN experience.

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    Overall, being a LPN for 12 years prior to my RN helped me a little. I think I got half credit for the time as an LPN at my first hospital job where I had started as a LPN...which meant I got the pay of a 6 year RN to start. I am sure this varies now. Today, it is an employer's market. There is no nursing shortage.

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    The area that I live, 2 years experience as a LPN counts as 1 year RN experience (for pay only). But you will still be put through the RN new grad program, just with a higher pay.

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