LPN license eligible?

Nurses General Nursing

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Can an RN obtain an LPN license? I know, once you're half-way through nursing school, one is eligible to test to get an LPN license. So, does the opportunity become obsolete once you've graduated and have taken the NCLEX-RN or what? I need some serious feedback on this. Thanks!!

Thanks everyone. This was good info.

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If you're really curious, contact your state Board and see what they have to say.

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Meriwhen, that's exactly right. My area is pure crap for new opportunities for new RNs. I've come up with nearly desperate ideas to find good employment. It'll be two years this May since graduating with my AAS. Feeling like the degree is worthless and even worthless to go back to get a BSN for! Truly frustrating. Thanks for the input.

It might be that AAS that is holding you back, not the RN. Once I obtained my BSN an amazing amount of opportunities opened up for me.

Do you belong to any professional nursing associations? I kid you not, I got my first job in acute care because of my membership. When I was interviewed the manager flat out told me the only reason why she was even talking to me was because I was a member of the INS, true story.

BSN + professional nursing associations + certifications = jobs.

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Specializes in LTC.
i don't know how many states allow students to sit for the lpn/lvn license partway through their baccalaureate or associate's program, but i know it's a lot fewer than there used to be. it used to be totaly routine, but now i think it's rare. anybody want o chime in to tell us if your state doesn't allow this? or does?

it depends on the school. where i graduated rn students can take lpn boards half way through the program in addition to taking a summer course that basically covered 2nd year of the associates in 8 weeks. i did this when i became a lpn, then i returned to rn school a year and half later. i didn't have to bridge over because i had already completed the first year of the rn program.

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I just heard about taking the LPN NCLEX after the first year of the RN program from another student recently. I don't know if it's very common or encouraged, probably not since this is the first I've heard of it, but if it's an option I think I'll do it. Not sure if I'll pursue LPN work before I graduate, but if nothing else it'll give me the experience of taking an NCLEX exam, which will hopefully help when it comes time to take the RN NCLEX. Couldn't find any info on this specifically on the web so I just emailed my state's Department of Safety and Professional Services to see what the deal is. I'll report back when I hear from them.

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hey, asystoleRN, so, do you think if an area has a LPN program, 2-4 ADN programs, and 2 BSN programs, the BSN people have a better chance? My area is loaded with RN programs.

One of my biggest fears is not being able to find a job. I had a tech job for a while and did home health stuff for a family privately, but I didn't do much other than that healthcare wise. I did a lot of babysitting because that was more convenient for my schedule and I wanted good grades to go on and get my Master's eventually. I have no idea what my chances will be though...

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Ohio, let you do which? Work as a LPN or sit for the NCLEX PN

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Here's a crazy thought.....What about an EMT? Sometimes in some states an RN can sit for the EMT certification exam, and not have to actually take the class. I would see about it in your state. Different scope, however, you would get some good assessment skills under your belt. Additionally, some local fire departments let one be "on call" (a "volunteer" but one usually gets a small stipend per call-- and some work is better than no work.) If it works for you, then you can get some experience and perhaps it would help you to get an RN job (even as a medical flight nurse) once you have some experience. Good luck!

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In NH, you can sit for the LPN boards if you have finished 600 hours of nursing school, including clinical. You must have finished Fundementals of nursing, Med-Surge, and Parent-child health also. I will graduate in May of 2013 with my BSN, but I am eligible to sit for the LPN boards in January of 2013 if I choose too.

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