question for LPN to RN's

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Hi, I'm new to this board so if you don't recognize my name that's why! Anyhow, I just completed my bridge program from lpn to rn and have a question: did you tell other students or 2nd year clinical instructors you were an LPN? If you did, how were you treated? did anyone resent you? is it just better to keep your mouth shut, do your work and get out? I've been told there's a lot of resentment/dislike out there. I've already experienced a bit of 'tude from a clinical instructor (I disagreed with her, respectfully though) and am wondering if this is the norm? I"m not trying to get into a LPN-RN debate, I just want a little advice! Thanks!

Specializes in critical care, management, med surg, edu.

I teach both in a Bridge program and the RN year. There is no way anyone could or should hide the fact that they are an LPN when they are merged in with the second year RN students. I'm sure the instructors all know who you are before you even enter the classroom. We require LPN licensure to move on to the second semester of the RN year.

Please don't flame me, but the only problem I've seen is that most LPNs tend to think in terms of how to do a procedure rather than why a procedure is needed. For instance LPNs tend to say "let's get these meds passed" instead of asking "why is the pt on these meds? / Should I give these meds?/ what is the pt's reaction to these meds?"

Another difference in the classroom is that LPN test bank questions tend to have just one correct answer that can easily be found in the text. RN test bank questions usually have two correct answers with one being the best. Also the answers often are not in black and white in the text. My advice is not to argue to get the instructor to take both answers. The correct answer on the NCLEX will be the best answer. So you are better off trying to learn how to identify the best answer.

I do agree that it is never a good idea to pick a fight with an instructor, no matter who you are. I've seen some who can make life H____ for certain people, but it never had anything to do with their licensure, just their attitude.

Good luck to you in your career! :)

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I did a bridge program. Everyone knew I was an LPN I think. No problems whatsoever. I took some ribbing, just because everyone wanted to know why I waited so long.

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

welcome!

instead of doing the bridge program, i did the generic rn program. i did not tell the instructors i was an lpn but a few of the "new" and "old" students knew i was. it didn't have any ill effects either way.

problems don't merely present because one is an lpn in school for their rn. problems may arise if the attitude is wrong.

congratulations on completing school!

edited to adjust structure of post and change to correct verb form.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, DD, Peri-op.
Another difference in the classroom is that LPN test bank questions tend to have just one correct answer that can easily be found in the text.

Vickynurse, I have to respectfully disagree with you...as far as my school was concerned. We had two answers and had to pick the best...just like RNs. The instructors made sure that we knew that.

I do know that RN school is much more in-depth, however.

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I too, am alittle offended and I'll not 'flame' you. I really disagree with the statement regarding LPN's and 'just getting meds passed'. While I was a LPN, I made sure I knew WHAT the med was, WHY the patient is taking, the ACTION of the medication,the SIDE EFFECTS ........and.....the expected outcome. I still do!!

I work with some very knowledge based LPN's who have excellent critical skill thinking. I have also worked with LPN's who were dumb, dumb, dumb!

On the other hand...........I work with some RN's who really scare me and makes me wonder how in the heck did they get through school, let alone pass boards! .........AND......I work with RN's who are great!!

.......Don't judge a 'nurse' by it's letters........ excellent teaching is an absolute, but not all students will learn the same way or retain what they learn.

I commend anybody who goes back to school to 'finish what they started', add to their knowledge base, get yet another degree (like my oldest daughter who is a 'learning' junkie) or as I did, to gain the (personal) respect and compensation that I thought I should be getting. It was also a promise I made to my mom who passed on 8 years ago. I did it for her!!

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LPNs would be treated like saints at my school. The CNAs & nurse techs already are. I have to admit I often ask them question regarding how things are really done in a hospital versus how were taught. Your biggest problem may be having to answer a load of questions. I don't see why you should have to keep it a secret.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Wound Care.

Couldn't have kept it quiet if I wanted to!! My instructor used to teach at another nursing school that did their clinical on my floor!! It worked to my advantage since they knew my nursing skills and really let me pick patients that would be more of a challenge for me.(ie, skipped telemetry r/o MI's and stayed in Critical Care more). Now the downside was I was held to a different standard, which was OK with me as it motivated me more!!

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Specializes in critical care, management, med surg, edu.
Vickynurse, I have to respectfully disagree with you...as far as my school was concerned. We had two answers and had to pick the best...just like RNs. The instructors made sure that we knew that.

I do know that RN school is much more in-depth, however.

You were so lucky! Your instructors helped you to develop your critical thinking skills by giving you two correct answers. The test banks that publishers provide are very simplistic and only have one correct answer that is usually verbatim out of the text.

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