How to Go From an LPN to an RN

The licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN in California and Texas) often is referred to as the bedside nurse who performs hands-on patient care. Although RNs also are trained to perform these tasks, the similarity ends there and limits the financial and career growth options for an LPN. For many, bedside nursing is what they love and want to do. For others, the LPN is a stepping-stone to becoming an RN. This is increasingly popular as RN schools are crowded and have long waiting lists. Many LPN programs are open to enrollment and are expanding.

Instructions

Continuing Education Options for LPNs

• 1

  To further their education, LPNs have multiple options such as becoming an RN with an associate's degree (ADN), a BSN (bachelor's degree nurse) or bridging to the MSN (master's degree nurse) with advance practice options such as becoming a nurse practitioner or a nurse educator. Each level will have additional prerequisites and curriculum specific to the degree.

• 2

  The basic courses needed for any of these RN options include college level algebra, microbiology, chemistry and anatomy and physiology. Freshman English, history, civics, or U.S. Government, psychology, computers and statistics will meet general education requirements. The nursing courses in theory and clinical practice will be designed to meed the degree and licensing requirements.

• 3

  LPNs have the opportunity and advantage to continue to work in the nursing field while they advance their education but must remember that they cannot exceed their scope of practice as an LPN. What they might have been allowed to do as an RN student in class is not something they can do in the performance of their job as an LPN if it is not within their scope.

• 4

  It is not necessary to first become and ADN RN to advance to the BSN or MSN levels. Many LPN-to-BSN or LPN-to-MSN bridging programs have a point at which the student can take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensing Exam) and then work as an RN while completing the course work for the BSN or MSN degree.

• 5

  One of the reasons many nursing students have turned to becoming an LPN first is that the LPN curriculum takes about 12-18 months to complete and then they can work in the field while completing their RN program. This also affords them an option of furthering their education online as opposed to actually attending a college. Online education options are not open to non-nurse students because of the requirements for hands-on patient experience. An LPN who is working in a hospital might have the option to arrange for a preceptor to assist and evaluate their clinical experiences. Some schools require other arrangements for the required hands-on experience.

• 6

  Employers might also be willing to help pay or provide affordable loans to the LPN to continue his or her education. Scholarships and grants are available for nursing students. There also are some forgiveness programs if the LPN commits to working in disadvantaged areas or teaching in a nursing program.