RN's that used to be LPN's

[Roozeyk]

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.

[LPN2RNdude]

i just started a job in the ER as an RN (ive been an LPN for 7 years) i think i started out at 3 dollars more than a new grad.... i took it and RAN!!!

[APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

Sigh.....

This post struck such a nerve with me, that I had to stick a comment on her despite the age of the thread.

I was an LPN for something like 5 years, an LVN for 10 years. I had experience in just about everything that you can imagine in nursing f

Basically, I had A LOT of years of full time experience in many different fields.

When I graduated with my ADN from a well respected, fully accredited college in the area and passed my boards right away, I sought employment at a local hospital in the Northern California area.

Much to my surprise, not only did I start out at the new grad RN rate ("We're Union" I was told), I was placed in their year long New Grad Orientation Program!!! It was an unbelievable JOKE and a total waste of my time and their resources.

There was not one single, solitary thing in that New Grad Class that I had not already dealt with in one form or another. I silently gritted my teeth through every class and prayed that I would learn something golden that I didn't already know.

(Has anyone else out there been through the same frustrating thing?)

It is my belief that there is a higher fiscal purpose in not recognizing LVN/LPN's for their prior experience. Otherwise, hospitals would be more quick to recognize the tremendous amount of experience that LPN/LVN's with longevity in nursing have.

My 2 Cents

[herring_RN, ASN, BSN]

After many years I worked nights and attended community college.

I was in orientation on a different unit than I had worked as a PN.

I was in charge when other new grads were still in orientation with a preceptor.

Our CNS was excellent at knowing what to teach. The level of responsibility, patient advocacy, decision making was what I needed to adjust to.

I didn't need to learn to put in a Foley or NG tube!

We were union too so our pay was the same. Excellent new grad pay.

[CHATSDALE]

interesting old thread

if you have been an lpn then you know for sure that nursing is what you want to do

as was pointed out previously you are familiar with jargon, procedures

you are being set in the red hills of mars

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

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.

In addition, many hiring managers conclude that new RNs who were once LPNs/LVNs are "too task-oriented," "focused on skills," "robotic," and cannot see the overall picture with regard to patient care.

These are grossly unfair assumptions that should be thrown out the window.

[Agnus]

I was an LPN for 1 year of full time work. It was taken into consideration at one hospital. They overestimated me. I then went back to the hosp where I practiced as an LPN. Brand new DON. She hired me as a new grad and treated me as a new grad. Because though I was experienced and comming back it was not the same position it was a different position. Both jobs were staff nurse but one was LPN the other RN. I was offended at first but later understood as there is quite a difference.

[not now, RN]

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!

I'm updating my post. Ha!

After six months on med/surg I went over to ICCU. At my interview the NM asked me "How long have you been a nurse? Count the LVN experience, I used to be an LVN."

When I got on the floor my preceptor let me go as far as I was comfortable. I needed a few skills and to get comfortable with the level autonomy. I had the shortest orientations in the last few months. They trusted me and were confident in my abilities. If it wasn't for my NM I probably wouldn't have had a chance.