Transition from LPN to RN

gardeningluver · Sep 6, 2007

I transitioned as an LPN to RN, I have approx 10 weeks left to go! The work and clinicals were not difficult for me. Most things review with more depth. The part that was hard for me was coming into a group a RN students during their third semester. Our transition program is for LPN's and Paramedics - class was definately divided. The existing class wanted nothing to do with us. Pretty much bugged we were even there. Felt it from the instructors as well! Not all of them were on board with the how whole transition thing-made it extremely diffucult. I felt I constantly had to lay low Hopefully you won't have to deal with this. Don't be afraid of the work - you're soo ahead of the game in that area! Good Luck !

Jules A, MSN · Sep 8, 2007

Congratulations and best of luck to you.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 8, 2007

I was an LPN for two years when I finished the LPN to ADN transition program. Personally, I thought the NCLEX-RN was a piece of cake (and back then 1994, maybe it was). I walked in, sat down, 20 minutes later and 75 questions later, out the door I went. However...couldn't get a job to save me...so continued working as an LPN in the NH for almost six months till I could find an RN hospital position.

BoskoB · Sep 10, 2007

I've kept that option in mind as well. Most of the job openings available at the hospital are 12 hr nights and that is not an option for me. If necessary I could stay employed at the NH I am currently working at as a RN until a position I desire becomes available. Why didn't you work as a RN at the NH??

windyspirit · Sep 12, 2007

I, too, am new to this forum. I work as an LPN in a LTC facility, and am transitioning to RN. I'm in my final semester and counting the days til Dec 14 - hoping I don't make any horrible mistakes!! Wouldn't that be awful?? I'm worried about the NCLEX, also. LPN didn't seem so bad, after it was over, hoping RN is the same.

When you say NH, is that New Hampshire? I'm in Idaho, and there doesn't seem to be any problem getting RN positions here.

Anyway, nice talking to you.

General E. Speaking, RN, RN · Sep 18, 2007

I am transitioning after being a LVN for (gulp) 17 years. The transitioners (10 of us) started in the summer and merged with the 2 yr generic students (20 of them). We are all considered sophomores and on the same level now. I can tell you that the LVNs have a definite advantage. The generics do pretty well as far as test taking (book knowledge) but there is no substitute for experience. I am a Med Surg/Tele nurse by trade but am doing OB rotation now. Even though it has been years since I massaged a fundus, I am very comfortable at clinicals and sometimes feel for the generics- it must be terribly overwhelming at times. We are somewhat divided, but I don't feel any tension from the instructors. In fact, I think the instructor that we have is less stressed at clinicals with the LVNs simply because we do know things and are more assertive.

Good luck!

windyspirit · Sep 18, 2007

Kriso - that was good information. I, too, have the experience behind me and can see the difference with the generics. It is so good to have personal knowledge, and the comfort zone, to know how to go into a room and interact with the patient. And to have the experience of associating with doctors and other nurses.

General E. Speaking, RN, RN · Sep 18, 2007

Amazing difference between generics and transitioners- I about fell over when we broke up into groups and one of the generics asked me, "Phenergan is spelled with an 'F', right?" I guess I just take things for granted... :lol2:

manature · Oct 3, 2007

I have been a LPN since 1980 and soon will be an empty nester. I am thinking of going back to school for my ADN. I sure could use some suggestions. I live in the Cleveland ohio area

thanks!!

General E. Speaking, RN, RN · Oct 5, 2007

I have been a LPN since 1980 and soon will be an empty nester. I am thinking of going back to school for my ADN. I sure could use some suggestions. I live in the Cleveland ohio area
thanks!!

Welcome to Allnurses! Not sure about your area specifically. Best advice I can offer is to research what programs are in your area. Some choose to go through an online course like Excelsior. I learn better with "hands on" approach. I did do some of my pre-req's online but I chose to go to an actual college for my ADN. You can go to the all nurses forum by state and post questions about Ohio. Not sure about the competitiveness in Ohio. It was fairly high here and although the colleges say you must have a 2.5 GPA, you pretty much had to have at least a 3.5 GPA to be considered.

Most of the colleges require the same basic English, Math, Science and Psych classes. That's where you start. I usually took 2 classes because you had to take at least 6 hrs to get loan money. Beware that the Science classes are usually only good for 5 years so I would start with English and Psych. I can do drip and dosage calculations, but I am terrible at regular Algebra so I had to take some remedial Math classes.

I think being an empty-nester would be a big advantage. I have a 15 yr old girl to deal with!

I am in month 6 of my 11 month transition program.

One thing I can tell you is that I am finding my 17 years of LVN experience invaluable. While I do have some regrets about not going sooner, I am an excellent student with great grades. Your experience will work in your favor too!

greatan · Oct 5, 2007

manature

I'm not sure what area of Cleveland you are from but ATS Institute in Highland Heights has an LPN bridge program with both day and evening classes. They have a website www.atsinstitute.com. I took the evening LPN classes there.