LVN to RN

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Oct 20, 2015

Yes you must be a LVN/LPN with license in hand, sometimes with x experience

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Oct 20, 2015

What exactly is the LVN to RN program?
Do you have to be an LVN so that you can apply to the LVN to RN program?
Also, is it better to be an LVN first then become an RN?
Thank you in advance for the feedback's.

An LVN/LPN to RN program is a program that allows a person, who already possesses an LVN/LPN license, to complete an RN program, in a shorter time frame than it usually takes.

While this is the path I'm taking, I don't think I'd go so far as to say it's better to be an LVN/LPN first.

For me, it was better only because I was able to become a working nurse in a year by completing the LVN program. Also, the wait list/lottery programs in my area result in people sometimes waiting up to 4 yrs to get into the straight RN programs. The bridge to RN programs usually have no wait, so I've been told and was my experience.

jelly08 · Oct 20, 2015

An LVN/LPN to RN program is a program that allows a person, who already possesses an LVN/LPN license, to complete an RN program, in a shorter time frame than it usually takes.
While this is the path I'm taking, I don't think I'd go so far as to say it's better to be an LVN/LPN first.
For me, it was better only because I was able to become a working nurse in a year by completing the LVN program. Also, the wait list/lottery programs in my area result in people sometimes waiting up to 4 yrs to get into the straight RN programs. The bridge to RN programs usually have no wait, so I've been told and was my experience.

Thank you for the information! That helped me a lot!

jelly08 · Oct 20, 2015

Yes you must be a LVN/LPN with license in hand, sometimes with x experience

Thank you for the information!

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Oct 21, 2015

Thank you for the information!

In my area, the schools require 6mos-1 yr experience. I understand that not all programs require this.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2015

What exactly is the LVN to RN program? LVN to RN is a program designed to bridge the knowledge between an LPN to allow them to get licensed as an RN. The RN has a greater scope of practice than a LPN. It could be an associate degree program or a bachelor program. In theory, I suppose there could be a LPN to MSN but I don't think one exists.

Do you have to be an LVN so that you can apply to the LVN to RN program?

I think so. I have heard of some RN programs that allow students to become LPNs after 1 year, but a lot of those programs were phased out from what I understood.

Also, is it better to be an LVN first then become an RN?

Not necessarily. It could be far more expensive and add on extra time to go that way. My classmate did it that way because he failed out of the traditional RN program so he dropped down to the LPN program. He is now finishing up the LPN to RN program.

jelly08 · Oct 22, 2015

What exactly is the LVN to RN program? LVN to RN is a program designed to bridge the knowledge between an LPN to allow them to get licensed as an RN. The RN has a greater scope of practice than a LPN. It could be an associate degree program or a bachelor program. In theory, I suppose there could be a LPN to MSN but I don't think one exists.
Do you have to be an LVN so that you can apply to the LVN to RN program?
I think so. I have heard of some RN programs that allow students to become LPNs after 1 year, but a lot of those programs were phased out from what I understood.
Also, is it better to be an LVN first then become an RN?
Not necessarily. It could be far more expensive and add on extra time to go that way. My classmate did it that way because he failed out of the traditional RN program so he dropped down to the LPN program. He is now finishing up the LPN to RN program.

Is it true that being an LVN is a lot harder than the traditional RN prgoram? So being an LVN is another way to become a nurse if I do flunked out of the Nursing program?

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Oct 23, 2015

Becoming an LVN isn't harder...its just different. My 1 yr accelerated LVN program was designed to teach us how to be able to provide nursing care, ASAP. In this regard, I think it was different from my ADN RN program, which focuses on us learning more of the "why?" And the "critical thinking".

This is not to say that my lvn program didn't teach critical thinking, because it did to a certain degree. I just think the focus was on getting you ready to pass NCLEX and being able to get to work!