Which program do you think is a better choice, LPN Bridge to BSN or BSN?

Jules A, MSN · Jan 30, 2017

My preference is the way I did it. LPN to ADN to BSN to MS. That way I was able to start working as a RN quicker and make a higher pay rate than when I was a LPN. The LPN and ADN were somewhat challenging, BSN and MS embarrassingly easy so plan to work the entire time.

Icooka4u · Jan 30, 2017

My preference is the way I did it. LPN to ADN to BSN to MS. That way I was able to start working as a RN quicker and make a higher pay rate than when I was a LPN. The LPN and ADN were somewhat challenging, BSN and MS embarrassingly easy so plan to work the entire time.

I'm worried about the current Magnet Status (which all of the hospitals in my area have or are working on) BSN Nurses by 2025, that I will have a difficult time finding a job in the hospitals as an ADN...

Jules A, MSN · Jan 30, 2017

I'm worried about the current Magnet Status (which all of the hospitals in my area have or are working on) BSN Nurses by 2025, that I will have a difficult time finding a job in the hospitals as an ADN...

But by 2025 if that is even a real thing you will have been a BSN for 3 years if you go straight through! I think my BSN took just over an additional year after my ADN. Definitely ask around to get the inside scoop because in my area which is a large metropolitan area with no shortage of snobby well known hospitals who think they are uber important and although a BSN is preferred the majority still hire ADNs especially if you have decent experience, professional connections to get you fast tracked through HR and are enrolled or planning to get your BSN. In fact I recently had a colleague turn down a job at a magnet hospital where I work because they said within 2 years she had to be working toward her BSN. It was kind of unfortunate because she is one of the best RNs I've ever worked with and I know they don't follow up on the whole BSN thing if someone is a good employee. And isn't it only a % of BSNs not the entire hospital? I tried to tell her to take a course a year for eternity "toward her BSN" but to her credit she stood up to them and said that at 50 years old she had no intention of spending any more time or money on school. It was their loss because a couple of the BSNs they have hired recently are twits and this girl is rock solid.

The other thing I forgot to mention was the cost of ADN as well as all the pre-reqs for BSN courses at a community college should be significantly less and I'm all about that. Could you continue to work at your present job as a ADN? Personally even if I couldn't get into a Magnet hospital I'd work where I could as a ADN even if it meant a specialty I'm not so fond of. With the increase in my wages from LPN to ADN (I stayed at the same job but got a significant raise and no additional responsibilities except the ability to call a seclusion) I made over $50,000 more in the two years it took me to apply, do the pre-reqs and complete my BSN. It all depends on your priorities and your ability to tolerate discomfort. My guess is if you've been a LPN this long you are pretty tough. Best wishes with whatever you do.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2017

I completed an LPN-to-ASN transition program, then an RN-to-BSN program. The LPN-to-ASN bridge took 14 months and the RN-to-BSN program took me approximately 10 months to complete.

There is no way in heck I would have considered a generic prelicensure BSN program when there were LPN-to-ASN and LPN-to-BSN bridge programs that granted advanced placement to LPNs. Why attend school for an additional year or two when you do not need to? Ain't nobody got time for that.

Icooka4u · Jan 30, 2017

Thanks Jules A & TheCommuter solid/excellent advice!