Surviving LPN to RN (traditional) program- Tips

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here are a few tips to help you make it through. #1 no negative self talk. #2 review fundamentals/med surg. #3 know for clinical- know meds on a cellular level, know your patho and lab values, never tell an instructor you don't know, tell them you have to do some more research and get back with them #4 practice nclex questions and rationales to build your knowlege. practing those questions will also help improve your class grades.(google nclex 3500 for free sample tests).#5 take advantage of grants and loans,besides, you'll have a degree so you can pay the loans back after you graduate. these are just a few things that i did to get through this program. in addition, i did not work because there was too much for me to review in order to keep up (ie med surg, pharm,fundamentals).but now it's done and it's someone else's turn. hope this helps.:up:good luck.

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Specializes in home health, LTC, assisted living.

:idea:hi, i was a mobility student this last spring semester and everything you said is true! i wish i would have gotten that advice beforehand! especially never say you 'don't know' to your instructor, tell them you will look it up, they love to hear that! and drug effects on a cellular level - yes! they always want to know that, also what nursing intervention are you going to perform to maintain integrity of a body system, etc. excellent advice! :bugeyes:

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Thanks. I wish I'd known these things too. It was a constant struggle for the LPNs to keep up with the current material and review old material like basic nursing. It seems like schools should make the LPNs aware of the fact that their previous education is prehistoric and will not help them in the LPN to RN program. I guess that's a part of the game and you gotta roll with it. Basically I had to leave the PN knowledge behind and learn to sort out problems as the RN would. This was a tough transition due to being so used to "notifying the RN" v/s critically thinking. Now that it's over, I understand why it's sooo important to be familiar with your patho.

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I've heard rumors that it is harder to find a job as an LVN than an RN. Did any of you have trouble finding work as an LVN? I'm asking because I'm thinking about starting an LVN program in January but I'm afraid it will be pointless if I can't find a job.:uhoh3:

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I got my LPN about 14 yrs ago. People used to always say, "They're gonna do away with Lpns so get your Rn". I was young and I was'nt trying to hear that. I just wanted to get done and make some money. I quickly found that I was not happy with being a Lpn. Doors were always slammed in my face because of my status. So to answer your question: It is hard to find the job you want as an LPN. You'll mostly get jobs in nursing homes and that will burn you out. So I suggest you get the RN and that way your options will be more broad and your job choices won't be so limited. Keep this in mind, if you get the LPN, I promise you will always yearn to get the RN. So just get!!!!!!!! Good luck.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I've heard rumors that it is harder to find a job as an LVN than an RN. Did any of you have trouble finding work as an LVN? I'm asking because I'm thinking about starting an LVN program in January but I'm afraid it will be pointless if I can't find a job.:uhoh3:
I can safely assume you're either in California or Texas since you're using the title "LVN" instead of "LPN."

The job market for LVNs is robust in many parts of Texas. If you're in California, be prepared to deal with a job market that has way too many new LVNs and not enough jobs available for every LVN who would like employment.

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