Reapplying

[Mcl1980]

I got into an RN program this past semester. I did well in clinical, but failed by 5 points in theory. I did have some circumstances involving a learning disability and new meds.

I am reapplying, but the C- dropped me from 3.3 to 3.1 since it was a 7 credit course. I am applying at new schools and considering LPN as fall back, but I do not want to get paid less for the same job as RN.

Any suggestions on RN, and those that went RN from LPN are appreciated. I am located in upstate NY, in the Rochester area.

[AliNajaCat]

LPN and RN are not the "same job." LPNs get paid less because they have fewer responsibilities (read the nurse practice act). If you can't pass an RN course, perhaps LPN is best for you. But don't expect to earn RN pay without RN learning, responsibility, and licensure.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

NYS Nursing:Practice Information:RN & LPN Practice Issues:Differentiated Scope of Practice

Section 6902, cited above, does not include nursing diagnosis within the scope of practice of Licensed Practical Nurses. Thus, Licensed Practical Nurses in New York State do not have assessment privileges; they may not interpret patient clinical data or act independently on such data; they may not triage; they may not create, initiate, or alter nursing care goals or establish nursing care plans. Licensed Practical Nurses function by law in a dependent role at the direction of the RN or other select authorized health care providers. Under such direction, Licensed Practical Nurses may administer medications, provide nursing treatments, and gather patient measurements, signs, and symptoms that can be used by the RN in making decisions about the nursing care of specific patients. However, they may not function independent of direction.

[COLOR=#000000]Do you want to be an RN or an LPN? Do you want greater ability to work in an acute care environment and work up to administrative/managerial capacity? Do you want greater ability to specialize, work in critical care, purse advanced practice degrees such as NP or CRNA? If so, aim to ultimately complete an RN program.

Alternatively, there are also LPN to RN bridge programs if you feel your GPA doesn't make you a competitive applicant for the programs near you and if you prefer to get a feel for part of nursing before committing more time and money to you [/COLOR][COLOR=#000000]education. [/COLOR]

[Mcl1980]

Way to avoid the main question. Second, there is a big difference between what certain job titles are supposed to do, and what they actually do. Good job with the backhanded compilments. And finally, I talked with several LPNs in RN programs, and they do the SAME basic job. Even hand out meds, which they are NOT SUPPOSED to do, but have to due to staff shortages.

If anyone has any COBSTRUCTIVE advice, and not being defensive about their JOB titles, I would appreciate it.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Oh my.....

[AliNajaCat]

Oh-kay... It used to be that you could take the NCLEX-PN and work as a licensed nurse if you passed it halfway thru your RN program That is no longer the case in every jurisdiction of which I am aware, though there may be some throwbacks somewhere. So you would have to enroll in an LPN programfrom the beginning, though there is a chance one might give you transfer credits. Ask.

As for the snark, responsibility is not the same as job description. "What nurses do" confusion is a byproduct of the lab check-off mentality we see in students who have an iffy/immature internalization of the actual difference between RN and LPN. Especially when most of what they know about nursing is office/clinic work and the low-level thing they see in their early clinicals.

I stand by my recommendation and opinion. Good luck to you.

[FutureNurseInfo]

Wait, so you cannot retake the course you failed at your school?

[Mcl1980]

I MIGHT be able to retake. They only readmit 2-3 people per class that have failed. Usually only family death or pregnancy. I am going to try and state my work and learning disability situation. I haven't needed special accomidations since highschool since my condition has improved with coping mechanisms in regards to learning. Having to work more than 30hrs and not enough in tuition assistance to quit has put a much greater strain on memorizing a lot of information.

[Buyer beware, BSN]

Way to avoid the main question. Second, there is a big difference between what certain job titles are supposed to do, and what they actually do. Good job with the backhanded compilments. And finally, I talked with several LPNs in RN programs, and they do the SAME basic job. Even hand out meds, which they are NOT SUPPOSED to do, but have to due to staff shortages.

If anyone has any COBSTRUCTIVE advice, and not being defensive about their JOB titles, I would appreciate it.

I like the pluck.

Now let's go after the Masters, PhD and DNP prepared geniuses.

[Mcl1980]

Who is going after any of those? If anything Alicat just insulted every LPN.

[AliNajaCat]

"If anything"? "Any of those"?

Now, what was I saying about critical thinking skills?

Good luck to you, whatever you do.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Personally, I found the LPN program far more academically challenging than the ASN and BSN programs I completed. Actually, the ASN and BSN programs were a piece of cake compared to the LPN program, which was fast and furious.