How Hard is an LPN-to-RN Program – (10 Biggest Challenges & How to Overcome)
Written By:
Darby Faubion
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »» RN, BSN, MBA
If you are a Licensed Practical Nurse considering becoming a registered nurse, you may wonder what type of program is best. You may have heard of LPN-to-RN programs and questioned, “How hard is an LPN-to-RN program?” As a nurse and health educator, I understand the challenges that come with earning a nursing degree and what it takes to succeed.
In this article, I will share insight into the 10 biggest challenges you will face in an LPN-to-RN program and how to successfully overcome them. As you read on, you will gather enough information to help you decide if earning your degree through an LPN-to-RN program is the path you want to pursue.
What Topics are Covered in an LPN-to-RN Program?
Although the curriculum for LPN-to-RN programs varies from one school to the next, accredited programs typically cover the same type of information. Keep in mind that finding an
accredited nursing program is crucial if you want to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become licensed as a registered nurse. Some of the topics you will study in one of these programs include LPN-to-RN Role Transition, Psychosocial Nursing, Evidence-Based Practice, Health Assessment, and Pathophysiology.
Is an LPN-to-RN Program Hard?
LPN-to-RN programs are hard. When you pursue your degree through one of these programs, you will study more advanced coursework than in your LPN program, participate in more clinicals, and take on new responsibilities. However, despite the difficulties of the programs, if you dedicate time to studying, completing work, and participating in clinical practicums, you can succeed in the program!
What Makes an LPN-to-RN Program Hard?
(The following are the 10 biggest challenges you will face in LPN-to-RN programs and ways you can successfully overcome them.)
CHALLENGE #1: Deciding How to Pay for Your Degree
About the Challenge:
LPN-to-RN programs are hard, and one of the challenges that come with these programs is having to pay for them. LPN programs cost from $10,000 to $25,000 or more depending on where you go to school. RN programs are significantly higher, with many students paying up to $50,000 or more. Unless you have been saving money or have a solid financial plan, you may feel overwhelmed when it comes to deciding how to pay for your RN degree.
How to Overcome:
If there is any advice I can give you about paying for an LPN-to-RN program, it is to utilize every available resource for grants and scholarships first. If you have not done so already, complete the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is used to determine your eligibility for federal grants and low-interest loans to pay for your program. There are also lots of private
scholarships and grants that you may consider applying for.
Another thing to consider is whether your current employer offers back-to-school options. For example, some hospitals offer tuition reimbursement options for current LPNs to earn their RN degree. The stipulation is usually that if you agree to work for them for a predetermined period after earning your RN license, they will reimburse your school tuition and expenses or pay for it outright. Either way, there are several options to consider that could help reduce your financial burden while in school and make your LPN-to-RN program less difficult.
CHALLENGE #2: Learning to Think Like an RN
About the Challenge:
A common challenge that many Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses face when going to school to earn an RN degree is learning to think more like a registered nurse. Granted, all nurses must use critical thinking and decision-making skills, but RNs learn to take a different approach, including learning to manage teams of nurses, create care plans, and collaborate with larger interdisciplinary teams. It can feel a bit overwhelming at first. This act of developing a new mindset is known as
fostering your professional identity.
My friend, Delayne, completed an LPN-to-RN program last year. She was an exceptional LPN and is just as amazing as an RN. I remember talking to her when she was in RN school, and one of the things she mentioned often was how she had to learn a “new way of thinking.” It was not that she thought “wrong” as an LPN, but the RN role requires you to take a firmer, more leadership-oriented approach.
How to Overcome:
No matter how confident a person you are, it is normal to feel a little out of place when you begin to learn more about the RN role and how to present yourself. Learning to think like an RN is not an overnight thing. It is a process of listening, acting, asking questions, and repeating those things over and over. Honestly, the only way to overcome this challenge is to put your whole heart into learning as much as possible and never stop learning. The more opportunities you seize to grow and learn, the easier it will become to think like an RN.
CHALLENGE #3: Creating a Healthy Work/School/Life Balance
About the Challenge:
A common challenge that many LPNs face when going back to school to become RNs is learning to create a healthy balance between school, work, and their personal lives. If you cannot manage the responsibilities of all these things, it can make an LPN-to-RN program hard.
How to Overcome:
I know from experience that going back to school with a job and family can be difficult. I worked for years before going back to RN school, and getting into the groove of being a student again on top of all the other responsibilities I had to juggle was a bit overwhelming at first. There were times when I questioned if I had made the right decision about going back to school. Thankfully, I kept my focus and pushed through, and you can, too!
There are a few tips you can follow that can ease the difficulties and help you overcome the challenge of creating a healthy balance. First, be intentional about your time... all your time. Create a schedule that includes everything from time to attend class and clinicals and study to the hours you spend at work and the time you want to spend with your family and friends. Although school can be hard, and you must be dedicated to your studies, you should also be fair to yourself by allowing time in your schedule to do the things you enjoy. By taking some personal time, you can help reduce the risk of burnout.
CHALLENGE #4: Underestimating the Difficulty of the Curriculum
About the Challenge:
Make no mistake, anyone who says an LPN program is easy is not being honest, has never been to LPN school, or is simply a genius. Both LPN and RN programs come with challenging coursework and clinicals. The difference is that when you pursue a degree as a registered nurse, the curriculum takes on a new scope and depth.
How to Overcome:
I have worked as a clinical nurse and a nurse educator, and I understand how difficult nursing school can be, especially when you are learning a curriculum designed to help you transition from one role (LPN) to another (RN). The best way to overcome this challenge is to pace yourself.
Create a study plan with enough time to learn the required content. You may want to create or join a study group with peers from your class or join an online study forum. Also, be honest with yourself. If you need help, ask for it. I can tell you from experience as a program instructor that your faculty and advisors want you to succeed, but they will not know you need help unless you ask for it.
CHALLENGE #5: Simulations and Clinicals Are Pretty Tough
About the Challenge:
Laboratory simulations and clinicals are vital parts of any nursing education. Although you are already an LPN, the requirements of the RN program can be pretty challenging. The level of difficulty lab simulations and clinical practicums have is one of the main reasons why LPN-to-RN programs are hard.
How to Overcome:
Let’s be honest for a minute here, ok? If becoming an RN was easy, everyone would be doing it. The truth is that RN school is hard, even if you are already an LPN. As a nurse and healthcare educator, I advise looking at simulations and clinicals as what they are: a chance for you to grow and expand your knowledge base and skills set. Although there are certain skills or abilities that your instructors and preceptors will expect you to have, they also know you are training to transition from an LPN to an RN, and they do not expect you to know everything.
Let me assure you that the only bad question is the one you do not ask. As a healthcare educator, I can tell you without a doubt that faculty and preceptors want you to ask questions. I could always tell which students would be most successful in their programs based on how they interacted in class and their level of interest. Even if you feel nervous or unsure, take advantage of having your instructors and preceptors there to help. Their job is to help you learn, but it takes you opening up and being willing to do so.
Instead of allowing anxiety to overwhelm you (which is natural, at times), use simulations and clinicals as opportunities to learn from more experienced nurses. Ask questions and take advantage of every opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and develop new skills. You can do this!
CHALLENGE #6: Having Increased Responsibility
About the Challenge:
One of the challenges that make LPN-to-RN programs hard is that you must learn to juggle greater responsibilities. As an LPN, you typically work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. In an LPN-to-RN program, you will learn what it takes to be the one in a supervisory role, which can be challenging, especially at first.
How to Overcome:
Even if you feel overwhelmed, you can overcome the challenge of taking on increased responsibility. I like to encourage students to keep in mind that program faculty understand the challenges that come with transitioning to a new role. Their job is to support you and teach you what you need to know so you will be prepared for the responsibilities associated with the RN role. So, take a deep breath, get focused, and ask questions... LOTS of questions! Remember, the more you do, the more comfortable you will become.
CHALLENGE #7: Learning to Leverage Your Competitive Edge
About the Challenge:
Something I think a lot of LPNs fail to realize is that they truly have a competitive edge when it comes to earning an RN degree and moving up the professional ladder of success. Whether it is because of a lack of confidence or undervaluing the knowledge and skills you have as an LPN, you may find leveraging what you already know a bit challenging.
I remember going back to school and, although I was not the oldest student, there were students in the class much younger than me. Many of them were fresh out of high school, and they had excellent study skills. At times, I felt like a fish out of water and wondered if I was really cut out for the RN transition. Thankfully, I had an instructor who had experienced the same thing. She encouraged me and told me, instead of looking at what others have or can do, look within, and find what you know and use it to your advantage. She helped me realize that my knowledge and firsthand experience as an LPN was enough to give me the edge I needed to succeed, and she was right!
How to Overcome:
The first step in overcoming this challenge is to give yourself credit where credit is due. You spent months (or years) studying and becoming an LPN. You have worked in the healthcare setting and developed professional relationships. Also, as an LPN, you know what it is like to deal with the pressures of working as a nurse. So, instead of thinking about all the things you have not yet learned, give yourself some credit. Once you understand that the things you have learned, the skills you have developed, and your experiences already have you on the right track to succeed in an LPN-to-RN program, you can face the challenges with renewed vigor and succeed!
CHALLENGE #8: Taking on Leadership Roles
About the Challenge:
An LPN-to-RN program is hard, and one of the reasons is that you will be required to take on roles that involve more leadership.
Leadership in nursing is an essential quality for registered nurses to demonstrate. While LPNs work with nursing assistants and other ancillary staff and may have some oversight, depending on where they work, leadership roles are more common among RNs. If you have never worked in a role that required you to be a leader, it can be overwhelming.
How to Overcome:
As I write this, I realize I may sound like a broken record, but it is important to remind you that your nursing faculty does not expect you to know everything. Yes, you will learn to take on more responsibility and juggle leadership duties in an LPN-to-RN program, which can be a bit scary at first. However, you are not alone. Your classmates are learning alongside you.
Also, I can tell you from experience that faculty remember what it is like to be in the student’s seat. They do not expect you to get it right every time. That is what school is all about. So, take your time to study content, role play with family, friends, or classmates, and ask lots of questions. At the end of the day, it all comes down to experience, and you cannot get that unless you apply yourself!
CHALLENGE #9: To Work, or Not to Work... That is the Question
About the Challenge:
Heavy course curriculum, lab simulations, and clinical practicums take a lot of time. Because these activities consume so much time, you may feel working while in an LPN-to-RN program is hard. On the other hand, if your family relies on your income to pay bills, giving up your job may not be an option.
When I finally decided I wanted to go back to school, I was so worried about bills and school tuition, not to mention thinking about what I would do if my car broke down or there was an emergency. I wanted to go back to school, but I needed to work. It took some serious planning and managing my finances carefully to make it work.
How to Overcome:
I will not pretend to know your financial situation, as we all have different responsibilities and needs. What I will tell you is that you should consider every option and weigh the pros and cons of working or not working while pursuing your RN degree. By looking at the advantages and disadvantages of working while in school, you can decide what is best for you.
Consider creating a budget so you can see what expenses, if any, you can reduce or eliminate while in school. If you are married or have a significant other, discuss what contributions you can reasonably make to the household while in school. If working is a must and you worry you will not have sufficient time to study, you can consider a part-time nursing program.
CHALLENGE #10: Getting Ready to Take the NCLEX-RN
About the Challenge:
Anytime someone asks me if LPN-to-RN programs are hard, I always answer, “Yes!” One of the challenges you will face in the programs is
preparing to take the NCLEX-RN. As an LPN, you are familiar with the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN). As an RN student, you will prepare to take the exam and become a licensed registered nurse. When you consider the depth of content you must learn in the LPN-to-RN program, not to mention clinicals and other obligations, studying for another licensure examination may seem more than you bargained for.
How to Overcome:
As frustrating as adding another test to your "To-Do" list can be, trust me when I tell you it will all be worth it! Instead of focusing on how many tests you have or the hours you wish you could sleep, take a deep breath and remind yourself that the temporary inconvenience of long study hours and preparing for tests, like the NCLEX-RN, is preparing you for more convenience for the rest of your life.
Buy an
NCLEX-RN study guide and use it... daily. You can also access practice tests through the
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website.
My Final Thoughts
If you are a Licensed Practical Nursing considering becoming a registered nurse, the natural first question to ask is, “How hard is an LPN-to-RN program?” To answer that question and give some insight into this, I shared the 10 biggest challenges you will face in an LPN-to-RN program and how to successfully overcome them. Although each student learns differently and has individual goals, study habits, strengths, and weaknesses, by identifying possible challenges and preparing for them, you can find ways to overcome the challenges and succeed in LPN-to-RN school.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. How Long Does An LPN-to-RN Program Take?
LPN-to-RN programs take an average of one to four years to complete, based on whether you wish to earn an associate degree in nursing or a baccalaureate degree.
2. What Are The Hardest Classes In An LPN-to-RN Program?
Which classes are the hardest in an LPN-to-RN program is typically a matter of opinion based on a student's interests, strengths, and weaknesses. For the most part, some of the
hardest classes in nursing school are pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, health assessment, and human anatomy.
3. How Many Hours Do I Need To Study In An LPN-to-RN Program?
Each student in an LPN-to-RN program may require a different amount of study time. While the time you need to study may be more or less than another student, it is important to give yourself more time than needed instead of not enough. As a general rule, most schools and faculty recommend students dedicate at least three hours of study time for each one credit hour of school they are enrolled in each week. For example, if you are enrolled in nine credit hours for one semester, you should plan to spend at least 27 hours per week dedicated to school.
4. Is It Hard To Work During An LPN-to-RN Program?
Working while in an LPN-to-RN program can be challenging. However, it is not impossible. If you feel you must work, consider your time wisely and decide if part-time school and full-time work are necessary, or can you work part-time and pursue your degree full-time?
5. What Next After Failing An LPN-to-RN Program?
As much as I would love to tell you that every student passes LPN-to-RN school, that is not true. Failing in a program does not mean you are a failure, though. If you fail in an LPN-to-RN program, the first thing you should do is evaluate your circumstances. Did something happen in your life that took your focus from your studies (illness, family problems, death of a loved one)? Once you consider the circumstances that led to your failure, you can decide if the situation has been resolved and whether you want to try again. If you decide that pursuing the program again is what you want, talk to your academic advisor and get a plan together. Conversely, if you feel becoming an RN is not right for you, you can fall back on your LPN career path or choose a different route in your career altogether.
List of Sources Used for this Article
1. “10 Consequences of Attending Unaccredited Nursing Programs” (
nursingprocess.org)
2. “How Hard Is Nursing School? (Expert Tips on How to Survive)” (
nursingprocess.org)
3. “Leadership in Nursing: Qualities & Why It Matters” (American Nurses Association/
nursingworld.org)
4. “6 Hardest Classes in Nursing School and Ways to Survive Them” (
nursingprocess.org)
5. “Fostering Nurses’ Professional Identify” (
Nursing Management/The Journal of Excellence in Nursing Leadership)
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.