Published Jan 9, 2010
jensmomrn11
76 Posts
I have been an LPN for less than 1 year now. Since May of '09, I have been working part time in LTC. I still have the new nurse jitters and am still unsure of myself. I know that I still have a lot to learn. I am about to start an LPN-RN bridge program in 2 weeks. My question is, do you think going for my RN at this time is a good idea? Will it help me with my skills and help me gain confidence in myself? Or do you think that I should have waited until I became more comfortable as a nurse before continuing on for the RN? I guess that I am hoping that going back to school will help me. Maybe I will improve my assessment skills and learn which lung sounds are normal and which are not (something that I am still learning).
Has anybody else gone right into an RN program as a new LPN and how did you do?
Jules A, MSN
8,864 Posts
I did and was pleased to realize that I was way ahead of the 2nd year RN students I joined. It wasn't nearly as scary as I thought it would be and I sailed through. The material isn't new its just more indepth which I really liked. Good luck.
Up2nogood RN, RN
860 Posts
I agree with Jules. I went straight to a bridge program after I received my LPN. It will be easier when the material is still fairly fresh in your mind. Good luck, you'll be happy you did it believe me!
tothepointeLVN, LVN
2,246 Posts
This is what I plan to go. I was planning to get more experience as an LVN but the work just isn't giving me experience or all that money so to spend a few years like this is death by 1000 papercuts.
Lovely_RN, MSN
1,122 Posts
Go for it.
I started RN school after being licensed for less than 90 days as an LPN. The year was tough but I'm so glad I sucked it up and went back right away.
The extra money and expanded work opportunities are worth the effort. Those two letters RN increased my annual salary by 26k!
amjowens
486 Posts
I think it's best to go back asap. I didn't even take my NCLEX yet before starting a regular ADN program, not bridge. I just kept open mind, like all new material so that I didn't get into thinking I "already know". I think that working as a LPN while going to school has been great because I'm out practicing my skills as a nurse while getting intensive, in-depth training on how to expand upon my knowledge/skills. I'm starting my third semester of
my program, hope to be finished in Dec 2010. I am so thankful, love what I'm doing. I work full-time and go to school full-time. My classroom courses are online, but clinicals weekly, in addition to skills labs, required hours, etc.