Working as an LVN during LVN-RN bridge program

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Has anyone done this? I was fortunate enough to get accepted into my CC's 2 semester LVN-RN bridge program that was designed for working LVNs. I'll have clinicals 1 day a week, and lectures are recorded and streamed online. I'm happy to be accepted, as this is one step closer to my overall goal, but I'm a little apprehensive about the entire thing. I work 12-hour shifts, and my nurse manager said she will do everything she can to work with my schedule (I already get 6 days off in a row pretty frequently). Everyone says the last semester is the hardest, and by that time next year I'll have enough time in at work to have 10 paid sick days. Anyone ever do anything remotely similar to this? Am I in over my head??!! lol

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I've done this before, but with a couple of small differences. I attended an RN program at a trade school instead of a community college, and I worked 16-hour double shifts as an LVN while attending school instead of the 12-hour shifts.

I worked 32 hours per week as an LVN while completing my associate degree in nursing (RN). I attended school every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday while working 16-hour weekend double shifts as an LVN at a local nursing home every Saturday and Sunday. I never had any financial worries while attending school because I was earning a rather competitive wage as an LVN.

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Don't let yourself be in over your head. This is your goal and you can reach it. Of course, it would be nice if you could quit your job, but many working people have completed school and so can you. Good luck.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

I work 2 days/week as an LPN (plus take call every other week) while attending an LPN/BSN bridge program. I like the idea of streamed lectures, BTW. Only about 25% of our classes are online. It's very doable, especially if your employer works with you concerning your schedule. We're on break now and I'm working 5 days/ week and will go back to part-time when classes resume. Good luck!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Thanks for the replies everyone! The only bad thing, but sort of good thing is I HAVE to get 80 hours in each pay period to keep my benefits (it's a federal job). I usually have 6 12-hour shifts and 1 8-hour shift in each pay period, so I'm probably going to have to work a bunch of shifts in a row on an easier week, and take most of the week off on test week. I just CAN'T quit because I'm still on new-employee probation, and my employer loves to hire new-grads in-house. PLUS I love the hospital I work at. This really is my shot at an immediate job as a new-grad.

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Specializes in peds.

I say go for it. Especially if you don't have kids or others whom depend on you. I am a single mom of 6. I don't have family or the father of the kids to help out either. I work 3 12's graveyard and find most of my studying is done on down time. I work in labor and delivery and go to school to obtain a BSN RN ...so it's just a day by day thing about studying. Above all else I search my King for strength and persevearence. (is that spelling right? it's late lol ) ...I hope you see my life as an encouragement. God bless you in your future...

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Specializes in Sub-Acute/Psychiatric/Detox.

"LVN-RN bridge program that was designed for working LVNs"

What a concept I wish my Community College would wake up and do the same.

My Transition Program makes it impossible to work unless you move back home with parents.

I would go for it. But beware though. If you feel strong as an LPN and able to work well with your skills you will be fine. RN programs have a lot of care plans and focus slightly more on A&P and their assessment is slightly different (more focused). Any good LPN can easily become an RN like your doing if they want it bad enough.

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Specializes in LPN, Peds, Public Health.

Our's is set up mainly online and with weekend clinicals. So I'm going to get to work my 40 hours a week (mon-fri 8-5) and do my classes online in the evenings (i hope) and do clinicals every weekend! Plus I have 2 small kids at home by myself. Its going to be a crazy year, so I can feel for you!! But we can do it.

I am fortunate that my kids have awesome grandparents who want me to accomplish this and are willing to help.

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Has anyone done this? I was fortunate enough to get accepted into my CC's 2 semester LVN-RN bridge program that was designed for working LVNs. I'll have clinicals 1 day a week, and lectures are recorded and streamed online. I'm happy to be accepted, as this is one step closer to my overall goal, but I'm a little apprehensive about the entire thing. I work 12-hour shifts, and my nurse manager said she will do everything she can to work with my schedule (I already get 6 days off in a row pretty frequently). Everyone says the last semester is the hardest, and by that time next year I'll have enough time in at work to have 10 paid sick days. Anyone ever do anything remotely similar to this? Am I in over my head??!! lol

Hi there I hope this reaches you but unsure how to work this allnurses.com....thing...so please tell me how it is that you got this far because I've been looking and looking for something just like this and I am very apprehensive about the online programs but I work full time at AL bld and I have 85 residents to take of of....so pls help me:yeah:

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When I used to teach in an ADN program that included an informal LPN-to-RN component (basically, we accepted LPNs into the second year of the program when we had openings), all the LPNs in our program were working, part- or full-time, while going to school full-time. (And they all finished the program without difficulties, except one student who got kicked out for cheating.)

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thank you....

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Specializes in LTC, rehab, medical review.

I will be doing that soon! My program is two days a week, one day of lecture and one day of clinical. I Work two 12's on the weekends.

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