RN's that used to be LPN's

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2004

Nope,, i stayed at the job i had as a LPN only per-diem as i went through school. I went back to my same unit as a RN but only slightly more pay than a new grad coming out. I still kept all my seniority, so when i went back full-time i got full vacation time etc. It worked out well, however it just took a little while for people i had worked with as a LPN to get used to me being in a different role and learning they could trust me as a RN to be fair and take the lead role. Good luck.

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Oct 26, 2004

Any of you RN's out there used to be an LPN for several years? Did you find that when you became an RN that your LPN experience was taken into consideration when you went to job interviews and got jobs? Or is becoming an RN like starting over because you assume a different title? Thanks.

I was an LPN for 26 years and have been an RN for 3 years. When I went to work at the hospital as a new grad I was given credit for 15 years as a nurse. It was something like 9 months for every years worked as an LPN. I started out at just over $25.00 an hour. New grad pay is around $16.00 an hour. Getting my RN was the smartest thing I ever did. The difference is amazing not only in pay but in the way I'm treated by the staff and physicians. I know it's not fair but it's the way it is.

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2004

I was never an LPN, but was a terrified new RN at barely 20 years old. I would think, if nothing else, having already been a licenced nurse, you would have much more maturity and confidence. That has to be apparent during an interview. You would already have a firm grasp of the medical "language", flow, etc. It has to be a bit less intimidating.

ragingmomster, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 26, 2004

I have started interviewing and will finish my BSN in December. Most places are offering 1/2 credit toward salary for the years as an LPN, i.e. my 15 years becomes 7 years of RN experience. Sign-on bonus (in the one place that offered it) was at the new grad level. Hope this helps.

Shed13911 · Oct 26, 2004

I was an LVN for 17 years when I graduated as and RN. I did get a higher status like Clinical Ladder III (of a 5 point ladder)for my years as an LVN. In reality, I started out at a sl higher pay scale due to my previous experience. I think I got the job right out of nursing school as I was asked to go immediatlly after filling out the application. I was given the job on the spot even though I had just graduated as an RN. My extensive LVN experience got me my ideal job.

CCU NRS · Oct 26, 2004

I worked agency for most of my LPN career and when i got my RN I went to work for a hospital that I had worked at for many years as an LPN. I also got 1/2 9yr/4.5 yr exp toward beginning salary.

I think a lot of it may depend on your area, I work CCU and most of the people I worked with treated me as an equal even as an LPN

sharona97, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2007

I was asked by my supervisor to take advantage of the hospital schoalship to return to school for my RN. I'm still working on that and have 9 classes left. I then had a job waiting for me! I started out as a CMA then went to LPN school and now PT for RN. I've worked and learned from very smart, wonderful teaching RN's on the job.

EmmaG, RN · Aug 25, 2007

I realize this is an old thread, but what the heck.

It was taken into consideration; I had 3 years experience inpatient oncology as an LPN, plus additional experience inpatient and home care that I worked while in RN school. But it didn't increase my pay offer lol. Ah well. It made a HUGE difference in school, though.

sharona97, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2007

Well said quote!

Glad2BAnurse · Aug 25, 2007

I have been an LVN for 4 years and im waiting to be accepted for RN program that I applied for. I am so glad that I chose to go to LVN school first. I have learned so much and work with a great team of LVN's and RN's.

not now, RN · Aug 25, 2007

My LVN experience worked for and against me.

I didn't get a job in ICU because "We've had trouble with LVN to RN bridge graduates in the past." Apparently the last couple of times they hired an former LVN he/she/they didn't take criticism very well. Thanks for assuming the same with me. I will say that they are nice enough to cross train me in the ICU after six months in med/surg. Yay!

When I applied for a ortho/med/surg position (the job I have now) it went something like this:

"The patient ratio is six to one. Do you think you can handle that? How are your time management skills?"

"Well, at my current job I have 50 patients at one time so I think my time management is pretty decent."

"Fifty patients? I think you'll be fine."

"I hope so."