Licensed Vocational Nurses in California are not able to easily complete their Registered Nurse degree. California makes this extremely difficult for LVNs to complete. There’s not enough programs to facilitate LVN to RN bridge programs. The programs are all impacted with serious wait lists, and tuition is extremely high. Not to mention the challenge of schools not accepting credits which nurses have already spent their time and energy already completing. LVNs simply have to “start over” in order to get into an RN program and not be able to work to support their families or pay their bills because the program is so “demanding”. 

Licensed Vocational Nurses are being shorted on fulfilling their education goals and being able to become a Registered Nurse. They either have to start school all over again, move to another city or state, or not complete the program at all. 

Why is this the case when we are in a nursing shortage? LVNs in California should be allowed to challenge the Registered Nursing Boards if you have worked as an LVN for multiple years. Demanding more schooling that’s actually not attainable is not the answer. Hands on experience and being able to sit for the boards is the answer. Especially now! It’s time! Let LVNs in California challenge the RN Boards!