What is your opinion on LPN-RN bridge?

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So I am 23 and about to be a mother of two small children. I have been thinking about going for me LPN and bridging over to RN when my kids start school. The reason I am not just going for my RN is because I screwed around when I first started college at 18 and have a low GPA due to many failed classes. I would have to retake so many core classes before I could even qualify to apply to the RN program. So I figured I would do LPN for now becasue time is an issue. I plan on working at a nursing home as an LPN because I am a CNA currently and feel like LPNs are more respected in that environment rather than in a hospital. I just wanted to know your opinions on my reasons for going for LPN right now instead of RN. Or if you see some fault in my reasoning that I havent thought of. Or even you personal experience taking the same route. Thanks for you input!

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Specializes in OB/GYN.

Hi!

I plan on going the LVN-RN bridge. What I have learned is that you will have to take most of the pre reqs for the RN program, even though you are a LVN (this may vary by school). Luckily, I had most of my pre reqs and gen ed classes done prior to entering the lvn program and now that I am finished, I am back taking my last two pre reqs at the community college.

I do think this is a great way to go based on the over whelming amount of students applying for RN programs. There is a chance of getting advanced placement into a RN program as a LVN.

As a mom of two, I know how challenging this may all seem. You would be amazed how many moms I have met doing the same thing. Even though you may feel you screwed up before, most colleges offer a one time academic forgiveness to wipe out those bad grades and give you a clean slate.

Good luck with your choices and I am sure whatever you do, you will do great.

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I'm doing the LPN to RN route too. Its very competitive here to get into a nursing program. The bridge program will work great for me. I plan on graduating LPN school in June 08..work a bit, bang out the 2 pre reqs I need and get into the bridge program. I'll have my degree before those who took the pre reqs and applied directly to the RN school.

Everyone has to do what they need to do to make things work for them. Some will say its best to go directly into the RN program but for some of us time and money are an issue. But what works for one doesn't always work for another. Best of luck to you.

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I finished all my prereqs in 06 for RN but the wait list was dreadful so i did the LVN and now i just need my license in the mail so i can bridge into the RN program. I have a 5 and 7 year old and im a single mom. I had no time to wait around for 2yrs and not get paid. Getting my LVN will allow me to work part time and get my RN. By doing LVN to RN i will have completed my RN by the time the 2yr wait list brings my name up. I say go for it. You should have a lot of motivation cause you have 2 little ones looking up to you. GOOD LUCK

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I just wanted to know your opinions on my reasons for going for LPN right now instead of RN.
Based on the background information that you have provided to all of us, I would declare that it's a really good idea for you to do the LPN-to-RN bridge program. Good luck! ;)
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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

As an LPN, you can see if nursing is actually for you. You will get more experience, will be in the foxholes with nurses to see how they operate and that may give you more incentive to complete an RN program at a later date. Sounds like a plan to me!

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Specializes in rehab, ortho, cardiac.

no matter what, your lvn will always be a benefit to you. it will provide you an insight into nursing and it can be something you can fall back on. im currently doing the lvn to rn bridge, i got micro and ap2 in the spring and im done with my gened classes so i should get into the summer transitional program. i really think i made a good choice in persuing my lvn because it provides me enough money to live and experience in nursing which i know will help out a lot in the rn program. many of my rn co workers were lvns before rns and they said that becoming an lvn played a really big role in their success in the rn program. also, before i graduated nursing school, i was hesitant and i thought i made a mistake by getting into the lvn program, now, after some experience under my belt, i know that i was born to be a nurse.

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I am excited to start nursing 50 which is a pre nursing class in my area. I have no idea what to expect except a math test. Has anyone taken such a class with the math test? It states you have to pass with 100%. Im not nervous, just curious I guess. I have read the text and it reads like my diary. What I mean is I am pretty sure I have the personality to be a good nurse. This forum has givin me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and go after something I have only dreamed of doing. All your posts are like little stepping stones of encouragement and I want to say thank you. God Bless, Melissa

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