[penguin2]

It's true, you never have to take the exam again. (phew!) Still, some RNs I know sware certain states (CA, OH) are "harder" to get an RN license in, so they never let it expire in their original state of licensure. Anyone know if this is true? Why would one state be 'harder' than any other since it's a national standardized exam??

[rn/writer]

Originally Posted by penguin2

It's true, you never have to take the exam again. (phew!) Still, some RNs I know sware certain states (CA, OH) are "harder" to get an RN license in, so they never let it expire in their original state of licensure. Anyone know if this is true? Why would one state be 'harder' than any other since it's a national standardized exam??

It may indeed be more difficult to become licensed in some states than in others, but this would have more to do with the expectations of the individual boards of nursing than NCLEX. The Big Exam is only one of a number of conditions that have to be met to qualify for licensure.

State BONs can be very different, and even within a state, the BON can vary over time. These boards are made up of people. As they change, so change the boards. One board might operate in a fairly lenient manner. Another, not so much. This goes far beyond NCLEX.

You may not have been saying this, but I just want to head it off at the pass. NCLEX is the same test no matter where it is administered. That includes foreign countries where nurses have to take it successfully if they want to immigrate to the US. There is no "state version" of the test.

[lvnandmomx3]

Originally Posted by P_RN

Oh, one additional thing. One state, California has an RN license that was obtained by certain LVNs taking a certain number of courses to become an RN in CALIFORNIA ONLY. THAT RN will not transfer ANYWHERE!

Is this the 30 unit option?

[NRSKarenRN]

Originally Posted by Tracylvn

Is this the 30 unit option?

Yes.


California Board of Registered Nursing

LVN 30 Unit Option - Designed as a career ladder for California Licensed Vocational Nurses wishing to become registered nurses. Takes approximately 18-24 months. No degree is granted upon completion. Most other states do not recognize California's LVN 30 Unit Option and will not issue RN licenses to these LVNs. Some LVNs prefer to complete an ADN program in order to obtain a degree and to have the flexibility to get an RN license in other states. Most ADN programs will give LVNs credit for some of the coursework they completed to become an LVN.
http://www.rn.ca.gov/careers/steps.shtml