Once LPN now RN's, how long did you wait to go back to school?

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Hello to all!

I'm currently in a LPN program here in South Florida, with 9 months to go. I'm already thinking and planning my transition into a RN program. I've waited so long to finally go for what I've always desired and I don't want it to be the same again. Sometimes when life gets in the ways dreams are put on the back burner.

I do have a full schedule and not sure how I'll do it, but maybe I can squeeze in the basics online or weekend classes to get me ahead of the game.

Just wondering how you we're able to successfully transition into RN classes and how long did you wait to do so? Or any other useful advice or experience you can share.

Sorry if I've posted this in the wrong area, hopefully someone will move it to the appropriate place.

Thanks in advance for your words!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I started working on required pre requisites a year after I completed my program; most of my perquisites we done and I received an AA at my local community college-I was in their ADN program, yet anxiety setback, went for my LPN, and decided to go for the BSN. I competed online courses while working two jobs.

I was a candidate in a LPN-BSN program until Life then got in the way, again; two at accidents and a major medical incident had me start two years later; during that break, I completed the rest of my requirements, and went through the two year program. If I ruled the world, I would've been an RN for 6 years as opposed to 1; but life still worked in my favor. ;)

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Been an LPN for over 3 years. Got into an LPN to RN (ADN) transition program that my hospital is reimbursing me for. I found that it was sooooooooo much easier to transition to an ADN program than a BSN or a traditional program. The competition was so not as steep.

I'm guaranteed a hospital position upon graduation (b/c my contract states I have to work for my hospital upon graduation for 2 years since they paid for my school). The ADN does not get paid any less than a BSN in my area. Then if I dedicate another two years, I'll be able to do a BSN program for half the BSN program cost.

I chose not to go with an LPN to BSN program since most of my LPN credits were not accepted by BSN programs (despite being NLN accredited). I simply could not imagine 3 years of full time classes for a BSN when I could take 1 year of part time classes for an ADN and get the same increase in pay.

If *I* ruled the world, an LPN would be good enough and I wouldn't have to waste my time with this liturgy of formal education.

although, i would like to point out the research linking nursing education to patient outcomes like....

1. Oct 2012 issue of Medical care finding BSNs have lower mortality than those with lesser degrees

2. Aug 2008 Health Services Research concluded BSNs have lower failure to rescue rates

3. May 2008 Journal of Nursing Administration Dr. Aiken confirmed her findings from her.... (see below)

4. 9/24/2003 Journal of the American Medical Association Dr. Aiken performed an extensive study of surgical patients with a substantial survival advantage due to higher BSN ratios

5. Jan 2007 Journal of Advanced Nursing found a 10% increase in the proportion of BSN prepared nurses was associated with 9 fewer deaths for every 1,000 discharged pts.

6. March/April 2005 Nursing Research, Dr. Estabrooks confirmed Dr. Aiken's study.

Sadly, i'm sure LPN to ADN nurses were lopped with "just ADNs". It never stops.... To even begin to feel safe in treating my pts, I really need to get that BSN to prove that I'm a safer option than that nurse who started as a CNA, became an LPN, then became an ASN and has 20 years of ASN experience with CPEN, CCRN, and CEN... but I have my BSN. I'm totally going to ensure your mortality rates decline.

At least my hireability will go up with my future BSN. Oh wait... It won't b/c I'm contracted to a 0.6 FTE or greater with my current position. yeesh... why do i even care then?

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Thanks for your insight and experiences! I originally said I would remain a LPN, but I do want the opportunity to be diverse and have unlimited job options so I will return for my RN. Definately unsure about the BSN, at this time.

Thanks again!

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Specializes in Allergy and Immunology.

Hello, I was an LPN for 3.5 years. I graduated in the Spring 2009 and was back in school for RN pre-reqs that same fall. I finally finished all my pre-reqs and got accepted into a LPN-RN Mobility program fall of 2011. I worked full time as an LPN at my clinic and finished that program in Dec. 2012. Took NCLEX-RN in Feb. 2013 passed and got promoted to Nursing Supervisor at my clinic. I had told myself I wasn't going back because I was sick to my stomach of school. I had been in school probably a total of 8 years going from CNA-to-LPN-to-ADN because nursing school is very competitive in my area. But I have looked at the job prospects for the future and 95% of the jobs out there right now say BSN preferred. So...here I am again looking to go back. I have registered for RN-BSN information session at my Alma mater to see if I am up for another challenge....sigh...Its been a very long and arduous road. Good luck out there.

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Hello, I was an LPN for 3.5 years. I graduated in the Spring 2009 and was back in school for RN pre-reqs that same fall. I finally finished all my pre-reqs and got accepted into a LPN-RN Mobility program fall of 2011. I worked full time as an LPN at my clinic and finished that program in Dec. 2012. Took NCLEX-RN in Feb. 2013 passed and got promoted to Nursing Supervisor at my clinic. I had told myself I wasn't going back because I was sick to my stomach of school. I had been in school probably a total of 8 years going from CNA-to-LPN-to-ADN because nursing school is very competitive in my area. But I have looked at the job prospects for the future and 95% of the jobs out there right now say BSN preferred. So...here I am again looking to go back. I have registered for RN-BSN information session at my Alma mater to see if I am up for another challenge....sigh...Its been a very long and arduous road. Good luck out there.

Thanks for your response! Same thing I orginally said, no intentions of being in school after this LPN. My mind has change though, I desire to continue on for the RN but dont wannna go for BSN. That'll probably change later also. Im 37 and feel like I've waisted many years(cant change life now), but ready to just live and enjoy life.

I guess as the world evolves we must adjust as well. A long road traveled but well worth it in the end!

Thanks again and best of luck!

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Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

I just graduated from LPN-RN bridge this past May 2013 after close to 4 years. I signed up to take my last prereqs right after I got my first LPN job in 2009, I know I could not work in the nursing home forever. I took a year and a half off to take care of my sisters kids while she went for her LPN. Once she finished I retook my sciences that expired. I am now working on my BSN and I should be finished May 2014 :)!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, acute care.

I was an lvn for 4 years before going back for my rn. I just finished and will be taking nclex in 2 weeks. My advice is u to go back as soon as possible.

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I been an lpn for 8yrs now. Since i was 21 yrs old. I finish my RN ADN program in 3wks and i can attend online BSN program for a year and get my BSN.

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Thanks everyone for your responses!

Yeah I think getting it done soon after is my best deal. I'm trying to register now, maybe I can do 1-2 class online or weekend. Sure I'll have to do remedial, so I can attempt to work on that.

Thanks!

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Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.

I graduated from LPN school in 2005.....took a few classes here and there at the local CC, had a few kids along the way, and recently graduated with my BSN. If you can, do as many classes as you can at the local community college. Or....see what you can CLEP out of. But definitely get the BSN. Good Luck!!

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