LVN to RN Bridge with no Prior working Exp. as LVN

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I will be graduating by the end of next year from an LVN/LPN program, and expect to be starting an LVN - RN bridge the year after or possibly sooner as all my pre-req classes for the RN program will be completed by then. I MIGHT be working as an LVN for a couple months prior to starting, but I'm curious to see if anyone has just gone straight from LVN, to the RN bridge program without working as an LVN. How did that go for you?

And lets say If I WERE to work as an LVN for approx. 30 hours a week, while attending a full time RN program, how much stress would that be? I have no kids. Just need to pay for car insurance, gas, cell phone, rent for apartment, and loan repayment for the LVN program

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Specializes in Corrections.

If they don't require exp go for it mine required 1 year as an LVN to get in. Honestly I think the exp only made clinicals easier that's about it.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

You don't need any experience to go from LPN to RN. Either way you will still be a new RN grad. Here in Wisconsin all of the associates degree programs are actually LPN to RN. The first year qualifies you to sit for the LPN NCLEX and the second year qualifies you to sit for the RN NCLEX. If already an LPN you can be an RN in only two semesters at one of Wisconsin's technical colleges.

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I jumped from LPN straight into the RN program and it made me more confidant than my peers in clinicals, but I dont think it will help me at all when I go job hunting. Its kinda a pain when I meet people and tell them I am a 'nurse', when I have never worked as a nurse, even though I have a license :bugeyes:

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Some schools require you to be a LVN for one year minimum. I think that's the stupidest thing because these same schools will admit a RN student with zero health care experience. Anyway there are some schools out there that don't require experience as a LVN. Good Luck

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Some schools require you to be a LVN for one year minimum. I think that's the stupidest thing because these same schools will admit a RN student with zero health care experience. Anyway there are some schools out there that don't require experience as a LVN. Good Luck

Thats true.... it does sound pretty lame...

Luckily for me, the school that I am planning on getting into doesn't require any experience, just an LVN license.

While doing the LVN - RN transition course, did you guys find that pretty easy?? Would you guys compare it to taking like a 3 - 4 unit class?

And will I able to work full time + partying on the weekends while doing the lvn to rn transition course??

Once I start the full time RN program , ill kick it down to working part time, and less partying. Let me know what you guys think!

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IMO, you really should drop the partying as it will get in the way of your studies. I haven't done the transition course yet as it isn't being offered in the spring, but I will take it in the summer because I know it's going to be offered. But from what I hear it's like taking a nursing class with some clinicals but not as hectic as nursing school. Hope this helps, good luck.

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Thanks guys, this is all great information.

NurseCubanita , How many times is your LVN - RN bridge course offered a year?

The schools I'm looking at only offers them once a year...

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It used to be offered fall, spring, & summer, but with the budget cuts, it's only offered in the summer. Futurenurse what state are you in? Just remember to choose a school that's accredited through your state BRN. That's one issue I'm dealing with right now. I'm doing my thorough search to make sure that my school is accredited either by CCNE or NLN, and most importantly CA BRN.

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Ok Is there a way that you can PM me on this thing. It wont let me PM anyone because i just registered.

Edit: Ok the school doesn't look like it is accredited by CCNE or NLN but its approved by the BON.

I am in california by the way.

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been licensed for 2 yrs (lpn)but havent worked much a lil private duty here and there..am starting classes(rn ASN) nxt week n am hella nervous been out for like 3 yrs n have no experience in a skilled setting..anyone like me out there

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Medsurg.

I am in a bridge program as well. First year LPN, second year RN. I worked as an LPN over the summer and on xmas break but thats about it. During the semester, I do all but quit. I may work a day here and there if I don't have a test coming up but I'm lucky enough to have a job where my employer understands my priority is school and then after May, I am all theirs.

RN year is not even CLOSE to a 3-4 credit class at my school. It is 10 credits and feels like 20+. Its harder, more time consuming, and a lot more is expected. If you are expecting RN year to be a walk in the park, I would take a second look. Its a whole different ball of wax.

Working here and there has helped because I can see things I've learned in actual practice and I've formed some good working relationships with experienced nurses that I can call and ask questions. However, there are a lot in my class who have never worked as an LPN and are also doing just fine.

Good luck!

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