LPN To RN Transition Programs
An LPN (licensed practical nurse, also called licensed vocational nurse in California) will want career advancement just like people from other professions. However, advancement opportunities may not be as plenty for LPNs compared to an RN (registered nurse) even when the LPN has gained significant experience and knowledge. That is why most LPNs undergo LPN to RN transition programs to become RNs and have higher salaries and career opportunities for advancement.
Requirements
LPN to RN transition programs are designed for health workers who already have an LPN degree and, thus, will not be required to enroll in some of the subjects that are required for students in the nursing course. These programs will allow the LPN to become an RN at a lesser time because the subjects that were already learned in the LPN programs will not be repeated anymore.
Graduates of the LPN to RN transition programs are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN examination for them to be considered as registered nurses. The test checks for the person's eligibility and competency to have a license and practice as RN. The requirements for someone to be enrolled in the transition program include a GPA of 2.0 or higher (depends on the school) in the LPN course, which has to be approved by the state board, a transcript with all the courses completed, filing for enrollment, interview with a faculty member, and, for some schools, passing the entrance examination. The student may also undergo several tests and must be certified not to be a drug user or have criminal or psychotic background. The student may also be required to undergo some psychological and emotional testing to determine if he has problems in this aspect and, also, if he has the abilities necessary for a compassionate health worker. The qualities include patience, honesty, and reliability. The LPN who will soon become an RN should have skills such as dexterity and quick thinking, which are necessary when responding to emergency situations. Also, the student must be able to control his own emotions while being able to deal with the various emotions of patients and their relatives. Other requirements include a background in hospital work, strong science and math grades, and logical thinking. Where to Go There are several colleges and universities offering LPN to RN transition programs, which can accommodate students with regular jobs or those who only have time on weekends. It is important to find a school that is certified by the state board and licensed to offer the program. This is very important because a nursing program is quite expensive, and you do not want to be spending a lot only for your school credits to be considered as null. LPN to RN transition programs may be expensive, but the final output, which is to become a registered nurse, will be worth the time and money that you have invested in yourself. You can even look for scholarship grants and programs, which can fund your nursing education. There are hospitals that are willing to pay for your school fees if you agree to work for them for a certain period.
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