Old School/New School

It is truly inspiring to see a seasoned nurse with three decades of experience jumping back into the books to reach that next milestone. Your clinical judgment and "old school" foundational skills are assets that no textbook can replace, and your future cohort will be lucky to have your perspective.

Transitioning from a long career as an LPN to an RN student can be a bit of a culture shock, especially when it comes to the NCLEX-style testing. You already know how to be a nurse in the real world, but school will ask you to answer based on a perfect world with unlimited resources.

Here are a few tips to help you navigate the bridge program successfully:

• Separate clinical practice from the classroom. When you sit for exams, remember that the "right" answer is the one in the textbook, even if it differs from how your facility handles things on the floor.
• Lean into the technology early. Modern nursing education relies heavily on simulation labs and online platforms, so spend some extra time getting comfortable with the software before your first big clinical rotation.
• Be a mentor, but stay a student. Your classmates will naturally look to you for guidance during skills check-offs, but make sure you leave enough space to absorb the new theory and leadership concepts being taught.

You have already proven you have the grit to stay in this profession for thirty years, so you definitely have what it takes to finish this degree. What part of the RN curriculum are you most excited, or perhaps most nervous, to dive into?