Would you repeat your LPN year again?

Personally, I plan on persuing LPN to RN ADN program, then work toward BSN. At my age (40) and having a family, this would work out best for me. You need to evaluate your situation and take it from there. If you have the funds and know you can go the distance, then go for it. Some of us have to take baby steps, while others can run with it.

I would not in a hundred million years redo my LPN classes! Oh, how the thought drains the life out of me! I think I need a nap now...zzzzzzzzzz

does this include no CLEP?

I was accepted to Illinois State University for fall 2009. I want to get my BSN. There nursing program does not have advance placement so I would have to repeat all of my LPN courses. I went to a vocational school so if I do go to ISU, I'd get college credit. Would anyone do this? Would you bridge into a ADN program and then BSN?

I'm not sure, but it sounds to me that if you were repeating some of your courses, it would be at an advanced level. For example, the LPN school I attended was an LPN to RN bridge program (I was in the first class) where both, LPN and RN candidates had to take most of the same pre-requisites such as college level anatomy, english, etc... I met a student that was already an LPN that attended a vocational school who told me that there was a sharp difference between the anatomy she learned there versus what she had to learn on the college level...she seemed a bit overwhelmed. I don't know whether or not she ever completed that anatomy class, or got accepted into the RN program. But, there are many that felt that by doing the LPN program, even though it was on a vocational training level, did prepare them to learn more in the RN programs.

You have to do what is best for your situation. Many people report here that they had a hard time entering RN programs from the jump because they were too competitive. It seems that the LPN to RN transition courses are easier to accomplish, especially with Excelsior on line programs. You say that you would get college credit for your vocational education. Find out how much credit they give and go for it, if it is allowed. Best of luck!

I'm currently doing my RN prereqs at the same technical college I attended for an LPN diploma. I completed a set of "allied health" prereqs for LPN and wish I'd been advised to take all the college level courses instead so I wouldn't have to repeat two A&P classes. I've found them to be markedly different from my allied health version - lots more detail covered thoroughly and a lot more scientific. Knowing the info in more thoroughly and in greater detail has made me a better LPN.

Being a 40something with financial restrictions I originally planned on bridging to an ADN, but since having this experience I decided the better decision for me is to go for a BSN.

Happy Studying

I never took vocational level anatomy, but, I can attest that college level was more detailed. I was not prepared for it and had to scramble to get it together. What happened in my case was that I was offered an opportunity at my job to attend school full time with pay to become a practical nurse and there were only a few community colleges to choose from. This was a brand new LPN program to begin within the year and no one at my job knew that this was an LPN to RN transition course. I had 'prepared' myself by purchasing a vocational anatomy text and was completely blown away with the difference when I purchased the actual textbook ahead of time.

I did make it through both classes with a B, but had to get intense tutoring. This is not to say that no one else can do it, that is not true. I was just taken aback, and to be honest, I spent more time memorizing than learning. I did wish that I had an easier level because I retain more that way, and sometimes, I think about retaking the class-not to return to school, but to audit the class to finally be able to comprehend and apply due to life experiences as a nurse.

I believe that people have to shift their plans at times due to personal circumstances and if one is determined enough to transition from vocational education to the RN program, it WILL happen. You can better appreciate what background you do have and can build on it. Good luck to the transitioners!

Yeah I actually am doing this starting in the Fall. I graduated from my LPN program in March and was accepted into a BSN program for the Fall of this year. I was told that I would have to repeat everything because the A&P/Pharm and all that were not considered college level classes. Well that's fair I guess, but I would not say that I am ecstatic about it. They told me I could go LPN-RN and it would take 3 more years but it would take me a year to do A&P I and A&P II so that equals out to 4. So I'm starting from scratch which will take 4 also. I try not to look at it as repeating, but maybe getting really good grades for thinngs that I already learned.

That's what I'm thinking about. There is a LPN-BSN program but its 2 hours away. I live in Illinois and am worried about traveling that far in the winter, especially for clinicals. The BSN program at my college is right in town. I guess it won't be so bad. I'll learn more and build on what I already know. The end result is becoming a NP so I'll just focus on that.

Call me crazy, but I am looking forward to taking A&P at the college level. I've wanted to take another course since we finished it in vo-tech. I felt like we breezed through so much so fast and only scratched the surface of most of it.

Yeah I feel the same way. I want to learn more too.

My first time in LPN school things in my life were a bit complex and I failed out, I did go back to another LPN school and passed. Though to complete work that you've already successfully passed, thats a hard one. Personally I would go to a school that accepts my credits, but you have to ask yourself how badly you want this and if you really want to go to that school. Good luck in your decision.

Yup ... I would! It never hurts to refresh and solidify your nursing knowledge at any level. I recently went to a refresher course with my BFF because she hasn't passed her boards yet. I felt it was worth the $400 even though I already have my license. You would be surprised some of the details you forget.

Once we graduate we get into a specialty and forget most the other areas of nursing we had learned in school. Ask any ICU nurse what the immunization schedule is for peds, bet they have no clue! Why, because they haven't studied or practiced it for years, nor have they kept up to date with current recommendations. And why would they ... they don't work in peds!

Not to mention ... if RN or BSN/RN is your personal goal ... do whatever it takes to get there!

Good luck to you!

~GB