[gettingupthere]

I don't want to seem totally out of touch, but, what is the benefit of taking the NCLEXPN? I have had my LPN for 40 years, I never heard of this test. I have also been working for all of this time, never have I heard about this! Where have I been?Is it required in NY state?
I'd appreciate some input! Thanks!

[elkpark]

The NCLEX-PN is the current name of the licensure exam for LPNs. It's the nationally standardized version of the licensure exam you took back when you first got licensed (I've been an RN for a long time, and the state board exam wasn't called the NCLEX when I took it, either -- but that's what it's called now.)

If you are already licensed as an LPN, you don't need to take the NCLEX-PN -- but you would if you were a new grad.

[pagandeva2000]

Originally Posted by gettingupthere

I don't want to seem totally out of touch, but, what is the benefit of taking the NCLEXPN? I have had my LPN for 40 years, I never heard of this test. I have also been working for all of this time, never have I heard about this! Where have I been?Is it required in NY state?
I'd appreciate some input! Thanks!

Did you take a state board exam to practice as a practical nurse? I have heard that years ago, many did not, they were either trained or grandfathered in. As the previous poster explained, those that attend nursing schools these days ALL have to take NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN to practice nursing throughout the United States. In my humble opinion, though, this exam does not assure that a competent, knowledgable nurse has entered into practice. It just means to me that I was able to regurgitate the crud that they wanted to hear for me to work in this field (which seems to be totally unrelated to textbook nursing). The benefit of the exam is that you will be able to practice what you trained in school for.