What do you think about the LPN to RN program?

pagandeva2000, LPN · Nov 2, 2008

I see no problem in it. The LPN course can be a springboard for you in terms of an introduction to nursing. You will learn the disease processes, medications, basic bedside skills and learn how to deal with people...the foundations of nursing. In fact, people that become LPNs do so because of the longer waiting lists and increased competitiveness of the RN programs. What I would do, however, is first to look at the job market for LPNs in your area to see what sorts of positions are usually offered. Many areas are no longer using LPNs in hospitals, for example. If that is the case for you, and your true desire is to work in a hospital setting, this may be a deciding factor for you. Also, allnurses has a geographical forum where you can look for your state to post questions there for that information. In addition, if you know any LPNs or even RNs, ask them what the current trends are towards employment of LPNs in their facilities. It is best to look at each angle, because it would probably frustrate you if you completed an LPN program, but were unable to get a job. I have not faced such in my neck of the woods; I work in a hospital clinic and have gained plenty of per diem experience in other areas.

Another consideration is that in many cases, you can apply under advanced standing into an RN program with the LPN under your belt (but you will have to take college level pre-requisites and obtain competitive grades in order to become accepted into an RN program). Good luck!

mesa1979, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2008

I think that is a great idea! That is exactly what I'm doing.

mama_d, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2008

I'm doing my pre-reqs to bridge now. Before you consider that route, as pagandeva said, research what kind of job opportunities there are available. In my area, hospitals are no longer hiring LPNs in general. I was lucky enough to get in on a tele floor years ago and thank goodness for the experience! Also, check to see if your credits will transfer and what you have to do to be able to get into the bridge program (example is my school you must have an active LPN license and either be a new grad of

I made the mistake of going to a school for my LPN that the credits will not transfer from and had to start out from scratch. So on top of the three semesters of RN classes I have to take, I had 31 hours of gen ed/science courses to do. Don't make the same mistake I did!

Jules A, MSN · Nov 2, 2008

It was a great option for me also.

nursesw · Nov 6, 2008

So my school has a two year waiting list for the nursing program...So I've been thinking i could do the LPN program which is a certificate get some experience get payed better than what I am now then have the hospital I'm working for pay for me to get my RN....I was wondering if anyone has ever done the lPN to RN program and if they would reccommend it....I just think If I worked as an LPN for awhile I would have so much more experince and confidence going into my RN clinicals...thanks for your input!

I faced the same problem in AL. So the director of the RN program suggested I do just that. Now I am so glad that I did as I had no experience in the medical field. It has been a great experience for me. I started out working in a hospital after graduating LPN school in 2004..worked 7 mths on a med/surg floor and then my husband retired from military and we moved back to our home state of FL. Applied and am now working in the float pool..love it. I have learned more than ever by just working a med/surg floor. Was enrolled in local community college and taking pre req's partime while working full time.

After a yr an half of pre req's at the local community college completed, I found a program 60 minutes away that has the bridge program and prereqs included that completes in 12 months. So I transfered. More schools should do this. If I had stayed at the local community college there was still no guarantee I would be accepted in the upcoming RN program and might have to wait as long as 18 months to get inthe nest one if at all the competition is extremely high in my area..and then the course itself is 18months..so even though this private nursing college is further to drive and cost 3 times as much..I took it. Am half was through now..it is a struggle..and I don't even have the full load..I only go 1/2 days mostly bc have prereq's completed..but need that extra time to study. Financially it is a killer, had to cut my hrs back at work to partime and sometimes I request off if it is finals week or a special testing period. But the sacrifice is worth it..I will be finished in 12 months. The point is..if you want to complete and pass the course..you will do whatever it takes to do it. Go for it..you will be so glad you did.

P.S. My hospital is no longer hiring LPNs..they are keeping some on a few floors but mostly only hire RNs.

Good luck. You will succeed if that is your desire.

Boosheboo · Dec 4, 2008

I just started a bridge LPN-RN in October and so far it has been a challenge but anything worth having is worth fighting and working hard to get. I will be finished in Dec 2009. Good Luck:yeah: