This is an ideal time for LPN’s considering making the transition to RN, to make that leap. A typical LPN to RN transition program is one year long, however it varies based on the program and the intensity of the schedule the student elects to follow. There are both advantages and disadvantages for the LPN nursing student as compared to the newbie RN in training. Fortunately, the pros outweigh the cons.

LPN’s have already been out the in field, working side by side with RN’s in hospitals and nursing home settings.  They understand the nurse’s place on the patient care team and have seen for themselves all the challenges and stress that nurses face. This undoubtedly helps to prevent the “RN burnout” that many new grad RN’s face during their first year.

LPN’s making the transition to RN’s also have working knowledge of patient care challenges. LPN’s who have worked in nursing homes have critical experience managing large patient loads and working with patients suffering from memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s. This is a group of patients that can require a period of adjustment and learning for the new RN.

The challenges faced by the transitioning LPN are related to their change of hat. Because of their role assisting RN’s with their duties, LPN’s frequently get the feeling that they know what it takes to become an RN because they have actually done it. Yes, they may have learned important clinical and patient care skills, but what LPN’s are missing that they will gain in their RN training, is the critical thinking and academic knowledge base.

As LPN’s they may be used to turning to the RN or the MD for help with critical patient care decisions. RN’s are expected to utilize their knowledge base and critical thinking skills to be instrumental in key decisions, even recognizing when a doctor has unintentionally made an error on a medication order. This requires a period of adjustment for the LPN nursing student.

However, the fact remains that LPN’s have a proven edge over their “newbie” nursing student counterparts in RN training programs. As the expression goes – they have been there and done that.