Transitioning roles

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Mar 29, 2016

I did not have a transition course from going to LPN to RN; maybe if I did, maybe the transition would've been smoother-maybe not.

For me, it was a steep learning curve, partly because my first job was in Critical Care in a PICU, where this was position where I knew would be more appropriate for me 5 years down the road vs as a beginner acute care RN-I worked outside the hospital setting most of my years and it had been 7 years since I worked in an acute care setting, so it was a major adjustment for me and in the end, I ended up leaving the position and seeking out opportunities to slowly build on my LPN practice and transition to my RN practice. I worked in LTC, then moved to a post-acute facility, then got another shot in acute care in a Level I Trauma Pedi ED, where I am thriving. I used every position to help build on my previous experience while learning the leadership aspects of the role of the RN-in LTC I was a nursing supervisor, where my role was continual assessment, updating care plans, and I also did the cart; I honed my assessment skills without technology-something I already knew how to do, but regained that confidence, as well as learned how to manage personalities that I had to lead; I took those qualities to a new Pedi Post Acute facility; where the acuity was higher and experienced emergencies that allowed me to think out the box and prepare me to be in a higher acuity setting; due to my experience as a supervisor, I would be a floor supervisor and help out the high percentage of new grads and was a preceptor.

At my current position, I am learning a new specialty, however I use my experience from my 7 years of being a LPN that have augmented my almost 4 years of being an RN everyday while learning and adapting to my new role; I also have slowly been giving opportunities to be more of a leader at the bedside and have signed up for opportunities to learn the ropes for those positions; I have thrived in my current specialty and plan to work on becoming knowledgable-I continue to self study and remain committed to learning. :yes:

I think the most advice I can give you is not to be afraid to take a position that will help you learn and transition into the role using baby steps until you find that niche.

Best wishes.

Davey Do · Mar 29, 2016

I just wanted to hear from other nurses who took a transition course. What did you do to make your transition from LPN to RN go smoothly and do you have any advice for me?
Thank you

Hi Hailey! Welcome to AN.com!

In 1987, the RN program of a local community college offered a bridge program, a 3 hour per week class for LPNs, in lieu of the typical first semester for others.

I worked as an LPN in Psych, Surgery, and Chemical Dependency Treatment for about seven years, taking prerequisites and the RN program in the meantime. I also married, bought a house, sold it, moved four times, and went through a divorce.

Hmmm... I'm realizing right now that I didn't do anything to make my transition from LPN to RN go smoothly.

I guess I'm not a good one to give advice.

Next!