LVN to RN

icyounurse, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2008

You know, I ran into similar b.s. when going from ADN to BSN. I was already an RN with the same license and job as someone with a bachelors, and yet I had to take ALL kinds of classes, they had me take macroeconomics, statistics, 2 history courses, a chemistry, American literature and a humanities I think. Then after taking those classes(which had NOTHING to do with my job, except possibly the chem and statistics in some rare instances) I entered the one year RN to BSN component, and they had me RETAKE assessment and pharmacology and patho, classes I had in my associates program, plus about 7 or so additional classes(research and such). I went through all of that, so I could make............50 cents more and hour and have the pleasure of working the same job. Of course I had to get my bachelor's because I want to go to grad school.

Good luck, and know that you are not alone, they make everyone jump through these ridiculous hoops, if the end result is worth it just get through it. It will go quicker than you think:nuke:

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 10, 2008

I agree with you. I think that this is the college's way of gaining more money, really. I am not an RN (nor plan to become one), however, when I used to see that some colleges required BioChemistry and others did not used to toast my cookies. There was a thread here once on the benefits of taking Chemistry, and while I respected the input from those that took the class, the fact that many have become RNs without that course made me wonder why a person had to waste their time.

If this is what you want, I guess you'll have to grin and bear it, unless there is another school that has less demands. At the end, you will have accomplished your ultimate goal, have additional opportunities and more money. Best of luck to you on your journey. You may even find that some of the classes may be enriching.

Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2008

Ditto! I'm an AD LPN and I'm having to take Music Appreciation, Intro to Library Science, British Lit, Nutrition (again because they offer it with a diet therapy), Freshman Bio, and Stats. Hopefully, I'll be accepted into the RN program this summer. If I get accepted, I'll be able to Clep Fundamentals, Adult Nursing 1, and Geriactric Nursing. I, also, believe it's the schools way of getting more $

ann945n, RN · Feb 10, 2008

I can understand what you are all saying but I feel that those other classes that do not relate to nursing are needed to get a BSN. Even a computer science major going for a bachelors degree must take those supporting class in order to gain a bachelor degree just like every other bachelor degree. I feel a nursing bachelor degeer should be the same as the rest. A bachelor degree is different from a ADN in that the bachelor degree has a wider base of education that is more well rounded. I feel that those "hoops" are necessary to be able to hold that degree. Perhaps Im old fashioned but there is something to be said at having a well rounded education.

allthingsbright · Feb 10, 2008

IMHO, I think if we want ADN nurses to be seen as professionals instead of technicians, we need to have programs that are well rounded, much like the BSN programs. I see the value in having ADN nurses out there who have a wider base of education in all areas. :) That said, it is a pain in the butt to add those classes and I can appreciate the amont of time and money it adds to getting a degree. I want my BSN and am not looking forward to taking more pre-reqs, though I think they will benefit me in the end as I will have a wider knowledge base to practice with (I need some math classes, a philosophy course, and chemistry). Good luck!

Diahni · Feb 10, 2008

After 20 years in various medical field positions, I had to opportunity to attend LVN school at the age of 42. After a lay-off, the State of California presented me with the offer to go into a "vocational-type" LVN program which they paid for. I had to pre-test at college level before being accepted and graduated second in my class. I passed my boards on the first attempt with the minimum number of questions. I was offered a job before graduation and am still employed there 7+ years later. All of this is great however, here is where the problem starts. I am now 50 years old and retaking ALL of my prerequesites in order to be able to apply for an RN/BSN program. I am a fully licensed LVN with no restrictions and yet I am required to take History etc. in order to get into a program. I would understand possibly retaking the sciences, english and math however, due to the nursing shortage and my age I think it is real waste of time to have to take classes that do not directly relate to nursing. Although I am 50, I run circles around coworkers that are 30 years my junior. I know that I will still have many more years of nursing however, I seems like a terrible waste. Any thoughts?...

Sc

did you look at Excelsior online? It might be the best route.

Diahni

Fiona59 · Feb 10, 2008

Well, speaking as an LPN with a degree in English Literature, I'm well rounded and discuss Chaucer as I pull your foley. I've actually done it once.

Go back for my RN and deal with nursing school politics again? NO THANKS.

Diahni · Feb 11, 2008

Well, speaking as an LPN with a degree in English Literature, I'm well rounded and discuss Chaucer as I pull your foley. I've actually done it once.
Go back for my RN and deal with nursing school politics again? NO THANKS.

Fiona,

I hear ya - I spent three semesters and switched to Excelsior - It was truly one of the worst times of my life. I went back to pursue nursing after 20 years of being a journalist - I can't believe how much toxic stuff went on in nursing school. If you have some good ideas, send 'em my way!

Diahni

Dottie78 · Feb 11, 2008

You can try doing an ADN or diploma LVN to RN program. They do not require you to take all those other courses, like History, Economics, etc., but they do require that you take A&P and Microbiology. You won't earn a batchelor's degree, but you'll be an RN.

That is exactly why I decided to go the diploma/ADN route. If I was younger with no children, I would have gone for my BSN, but I'm not getting any younger, and I wish to begin working a nurse as soon as possible. Taking a ton of prereqs and working full-time, that would take me at least another 2 years! I just spent the last 3 years taking prereqs for the diploma nursing program. Maybe when my kids are older, I may go back for BSN, but for now, why waste time taking all those prereqs when I can earn the same as a new grad ADN/diploma nurse? But I do have to agree that a BSN is a batchelor's degree, which means having to take all these courses to become a well-rounded student. I think it's a waste of time, but unfortunately, that's how it goes if you want to earn any kind of batchelor's degree.

scubagoddess · Feb 11, 2008

Thank you to all for your replies. This really was more of a vent than anything. I agree that I have learned from the "accessory" classes however, and I am enrolled in traditional school as I feel that, at least for me, is the way I learn the best. I work with many nurses who have done the Excelsior and other realted programs and their understanding and knowledge is directly related to the amount of experience they had going into it and/or how much they are willing to go the extra mile and go over and above what is expected of them. Often, there is an apparent knowledge base descrepancy between the nurses based on their mode of education. Also, the facility I work at and a few others I know of pay less for those who have attended Excelsior and the like. As far as the diploma program, it is not for me. After going through this, I do not want to be limited to practicing in California. If I want to move to another state, I can go. Maybe I'm just a little "time-sensitive." Is the ticking of my "age-clock" bothering you?! :lol2:

Batman24 · Feb 11, 2008

My school is infamous for changing its courses so I feel your pain. It seems the ones that change most are the general education credits. I'm challenging the newly added English course (I already have 2) this week with another Humanities course at the suggestion of my counselor. They also took out one class and replaced it with a more advanced general ed course, but the one they removed is a pre-req to the replacement and then they don't even give you formalized credit for it in the nursing program. I would like thise 3 credits to count towards my nursing degree even though I know they count overall. Annoying.