Your LPN-RN Bridge Experience

[Nu2be, CNA]

Financially, I cannot not be out of work for 2yrs. So I am going to go for my LPN 1st. Then go back for my RN.

I am curious to hear other nurses stories about their bridge experience. Did you feel like your LPN helped you with new concepts and skills level? How long did you wait to go back for your RN degree? Did you feel as though the NCLEX was more bearable since you took it for your LPN?

[Scottishtape]

I got my LPN 12 years ago, and entered into a bridge program in May of last year.

The program has been tough. Majorly tough. I had to stop working so I could have enough time to dedicate to it. Reason being, for my program, they still make us do the entire 2 year curriculum in one year.

My time as as an LPN did help as far as knowledge base and being able to whip right through check offs. It has also helped me immensely in clinicals and practicum. I frequently hear remarks about how comfortable I am with patient care.

The downside to having all the LPN experience is that I know how things work in the real world. This caused me to struggle with the tests in the beginning because all the tests are based off of perfect circumstances presented in the book world. Once I got over answering questions based on how it's really done, I did fine.

Financially, it was better for me as well. I chose to do a bridge at a community college, so I've been able to pay for my tuition out of pocket and not add on anymore debt (just made my LAST payment!!)

Overall, I'm glad I did it this way. My only regret is waiting so long to get back to school.

Good luck!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

LVN program - 10/2004 to 10/2005

LPN to ASN bridge program - 1/2009 to 3/2010

Online RN to BSN program - 5/2014 to 3/2015

My school trajectory took a long time (11+ years from 2004 to 2015) because I worked full-time and took breaks in between. Generally, it is much faster to pursue the BSN degree directly.

[Nu2be, CNA]

Thank you Scottishtape!