A Path Forward: Growing from LPN to RN

I can remember sitting in a CNA class at Methodist College with other fresh faced young women, being petrified of the unknown. And now, here I am, just over two months away from completing a licensed practical nursing program, about to graduate. And already looking forward to the next step on my journey: working as a nurse, and entering a RN program. What a milestone. Nursing is a profession built on growth, and each step forward opens the door to greater responsibility, deeper knowledge and stronger leadership roles.

The LPN role is meaningful in its own right. It allows me to provide direct patient care, support families, and collaborate within the healthcare team. Yet through my clinical experiences, I have also seen how advancing into the RN role expands opportunities to assess more complex conditions, develop care plans, and lead teams in ways that strengthen patient outcomes. This progression is not about leaving one role behind, but about building on its foundation.

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Continuing into RN education represents more than an academic goal—it reflects my commitment to lifelong learning. Medicine evolves constantly, and nurses must evolve with it. Every additional layer of knowledge and skill translates into better care at the bedside, more informed decision-making, and a stronger voice in advocating for patients.

Equally important is the personal dimension of growth. Becoming an RN means embracing greater accountability, but also greater opportunity to mentor, teach, and support others. Just as I have learned from experienced nurses during clinicals, I look forward to guiding future students and colleagues along their own paths.

I view this transition not only as career advancement, but as a responsibility to patients. Each step I take forward in education and practice equips me to serve more effectively, respond more confidently, and provide care that is both safe and compassionate.

Becoming a nurse is not a single achievement; it is a continuum of growth. My path from LPN to RN is one part of that continuum—a path defined by dedication, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care.

Calandra CooperComment