As an LPN of 13 years I have worked in a hospital environment for the last 10 years. I worked as a primary care nurse and was required to do the same job duties as the Rn's with the exception of administration of blood administration(not allowed to spike the blood product, but monitered it) and IV push medications. In the course of my practice as an LPN, I oriented many new RN's from traditional programs AD, as well as BSN that were very lacking in nursing skills when they graduated from school(clinical experience). They have had more book knowledge at the time, but nothing replaces the clinical experience I obtained during my years of practice. Liability has been mentioned and safety as well. Lets see, would you rather a new nurse with no practical experience to be your nurse or a veteran LPN(working in healthcare) that has decided to further there career? 

I understand the boards opposition to some of the excelsior graduates do to their currrent field of practice. But their should be an exclusion for your LPN's. The clinical experience obtained in the real world(hospitals, acute care facilities,etc.) is the best clinical experience anyone could have.

Please let your Lpn's excel because they make great RN's ! Virginia would benefit!