LVN to be Wants to be RN : What's the most realistic plan?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hi Nurse Beth,

Help! I'm in N. Cal. about to start LVN program (lottery). RN was first choice, but have waited years in various lotteries. 1) true that LVNs will soon be obsolete as career? 2) realistically, how hard to get into LVN to RN bridge program? Heard only if RN students drop or fail. 3) I'm very grateful to be chosen in LVN lottery, but REALLY want to be RN! do I really have a chance and what is best/most realistic plan? thank you!

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Dear LVN to be Wants to be RN,

Congrats on being accepted into the LVN program!

Being an LPN (LVN in CA) can definitely lead to being an RN, as it did for me and many others.

Check with your own school right away for eligibility for LPN to RN bridge. Some schools accept LPNs into second semester or even second year if there is a seat (for example, if an RN student drops out). Your educational credits will be evaluated.

Other schools have programs designed for LPNs and cater to the working LPN. LPN to RN/ADN and LPN to RN/BSN programs. Keep your grades up to increase your chances of being accepted.

LPNs are not going to become obsolete. They are not going to be used in place of RNs in acute care, and many hospitals have gone to an all-RN staff, but there are many opportunities for LPNs outside of the hospital setting.

Having said that, a hospital I know that has a shortage of ED RNs recently hired several LPNs to work in the fast track area. It's really genius, because there is so much the LPNs can do- blood transfusions, start IVs, administer medications, insert foleys and NG tubes, would care. The primary limitations are assessment (although they can collect data), patient teaching, and IV medications. They can manage IV solutions that have nothing added.

The pendulum may swing as the skills of LPNs are recognized and used in smart ways.

From the determination I hear in your letter, I am sure you will accomplish your goals. Starting as an LPN sounds right for you, and an opportunity to start your nursing career.

Best,

Nurse Beth

[hwy17v]

Dear LVN-to-be,

Why not apply for a program outside your state? Many students apply to BSN programs in other states, then move back to their home state after graduation. If you know what you want, go for it! Where there is a will, there is a way.

L. Schneider

RN, BSN

[Aner86]

Nurse Beth, i had a different story... i'm a BSN graduate in the Philippines and currently holding LVN license and work as LVN in a Post Acute Rehabilitation hospital here in California. When I applied for NCLEX RN Exam, CA BON wants me to take additional unit in Medical Surgical Nursing. My dilema is the school that will cater my needs. Can anyone help me regarding this matter? Hope for a positive response. Thanks a lot.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Nurse Beth, i had a different story... i'm a BSN graduate in the Philippines and currently holding LVN license and work as LVN in a Post Acute Rehabilitation hospital here in California. When I applied for NCLEX RN Exam, CA BON wants me to take additional unit in Medical Surgical Nursing. My dilema is the school that will cater my needs. Can anyone help me regarding this matter? Hope for a positive response. Thanks a lot.

That's a great question. I'm not aware of any nursing program that allows you to enroll in just one portion of the program.

If I were you, I would talk to the nursing program dean of a college in your area and explain your situation. It's a novel request, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I would also look for a reputable nursing refresher course, get a copy of the syllabus, and talk to the BON. Ask if they would accept the course, if not, what would they accept, how many credits, etc.

Another option is an LVN to RN program which would take about one year- which may be how long the BON takes to approve your NCLEX request :)

Maybe some other readers have more ideas- best wishes, my friend

[Sahastrar1]

Hello Nurse Beth,

Am a final year nursing student and a dancer as well.i want to do my post graduation in something which would give me a chance to have a combination of both dance and nursing

Kindly please advise.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hello Nurse Beth,

Am a final year nursing student and a dancer as well.i want to do my post graduation in something which would give me a chance to have a combination of both dance and nursing

Kindly please advise.

Hi there, I read your question a few days back and didn't have a ready answer...actually, I still don't, but maybe you could incorporate dance, or holistic practice into graduate work? I'm sure there's a lot of potential for research in the area, although I don't know about a role.

It does remind me of a friend of mine who plans to do chair yoga with the elderly when she retires, because of the beneficial health effects of gentle exercise. Best wishes.