I have only been a RN for a year but have 21 years of being an LVN before that, would that count towards my experience or would I need hospital experience?

In my health system, they will count your LPN years as 2-LPN = 1-RN for experience, so they will give you 10-years of nursing experience when they calculate your starting wage. From perspective, and having also been a LPN, I’d rather hire a prior LPN than a RN with comparable experience. Best wishes.

Absolutely! It will mostly count with you first because it will be the foundation of you being a better RN and a leader. It will count with your patients because you won’t wait for the care attendant to change a bed of a very sick patient who is fighting for their life; their family members will show you true gratitude. It will also matter to your employer when your patient and their family members, and coworkers repeatedly mention you by name because you are such a valued team member. You will be a wonderful RN.

I am a MSN now for five years, a RN for 12, LPN for 22 years and a CNA for five. All of it has served me well!!!!

Yes! Hospitals do honor LVN experience.