LPN's who can't pass NCLEX-RN??

michelle95 · Sep 9, 2004

This sounds really odd to me.

I've known several LPNs that became RNs. I would think it would be easier to pass RN boards after having been an LPN first...but, oh well.

Jo Dirt · Sep 9, 2004

I know a woman who was an LPN for about 20 yrs. who went back to RN school and failed the NCLEX-RN twice. She said she was going to take it one more time before she gave up and the third time she happened to pass. I don't know what makes it so hard, but I have no doubts it is much more comprehensive than the NCLEX-PN.

I'm a bit nervous about taking the NCLEX myself (graduate in December of '05). I have only been an LPN 4 yrs..

I have been tempted to get the study book for the NCLEX-RN but have been weighed down with so much schoolwork I wouldn't have time to look at it, anyway. I'm scared to death I'm going to bomb chemistry. Hope there isn't much chemistry on the NCLEX...:stone

TELEpathicRN · Sep 9, 2004

I think these are isolated incidents. . May speak for what the nursing school is teaching?? I graduated with my LPN in 97 and RN in 99. I had no problem with the NCLEX-RN and don't know anyone that has failed and were already LPN'S. I would suggest a good review course. Remember when taking boards, your answer should be based on this principle: You are working in Perfect hospital in Perfect USA, you have all the supplies you need, you can always get in touch with the MD, you have all the time in the world to sit down @ your pts bedside and let them voice their concerns, etc.. get my drift?? Good luck to you

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Sep 9, 2004

I know a woman who was an LPN for about 20 yrs. who went back to RN school and failed the NCLEX-RN twice. She said she was going to take it one more time before she gave up and the third time she happened to pass. I don't know what makes it so hard, but I have no doubts it is much more comprehensive than the NCLEX-PN.
I'm a bit nervous about taking the NCLEX myself (graduate in December of '05). I have only been an LPN 4 yrs..
I have been tempted to get the study book for the NCLEX-RN but have been weighed down with so much schoolwork I wouldn't have time to look at it, anyway. I'm scared to death I'm going to bomb chemistry. Hope there isn't much chemistry on the NCLEX...:stone

There is absolutely zero chemistry on the NCLEX - it is entirely nursing focused

SandyB · Sep 9, 2004

I and a number of others I know did LVN to RN and had no problems passing. Even Excelsior grads among a few I know did fine.

Get the NCLEX-RN when you have time and then study it before you take the boards. And I agree with TELEpathicRN, it is always the perfect situation, not reality, that you base you answer on!

2rntish · Sep 9, 2004

I have seen this happen to several LPN-RN students. The one thing that most are in agreement on is that as a practicing nurse (LPN) you know and understand the real world and what it takes to survive a shift in a hospital...

The NCLEX (book world) is vastly different. You need to make sure and use your experience when ever you can but don't let it get you into trouble.

I spoke with a nurse last year who remembered one of the questions on the test; As you move a pt from bed to gurney for a trip to OR, the pt asks you exactly what is going to happen to him. Dr has visited with pt, consent is signed...What do you do?

A. Tell him what to expect

B. Print off a copy of the procedure and give to the pt

C. Tell him not to worry, everything will be fine

D. Have the Dr return to the pt's room to explain the procedure, again

The 5 seasoned nurses in the room all jumped on "A". We do it every day!

The test wanted "D". Not gonna happen in the real world.

Use all of the "tools" that you have but try to remember the book world sometimes wants a different answer.

RN34TX · Sep 9, 2004

Hi all...
this may sound like a dumb problem, but it is really starting to freak me out!! I am an LPN, and current RN student, I will graduate in May of next year. Anyway, there have been 3 girls I work with in the last 2 years who were LPN's go on for their RN's, complete the education, and then fail boards 1, 2 or even 5 times!!! I worked with a girl who has been an LPN for 10+ years, finished RN program, and just quit after her 3rd time failing the RN boards. Are these just isolated incidents, or should I start really worrying? I know my boards are a way off, but this is really scaring me! If anyone here has been an LPN then went on for RN AND passed boards, please let me know what your experiences have been so maybe I can relax a little!!
Thanks,
Kacy
P.S... NONE of these LPN's went through Excelsior, if you're wondering.

I'm an Excelsior grad and I passed with the minimum 75 questions. I didn't see that big of a difference between the LPN and RN NCLEX. More management type questions like which patients would you assign to an experienced LPN and which to a new grad RN, etc.

There are challenges along with advantages of being already experienced when you sit for the RN board exam.

The advantages being the questions that they will ask you that even the poorest performing LPN who barely passed RN school would be able to answer correctly that are just common sense to nursing, such as what would you do if the patients AP was 56 and was scheduled a dose of digoxin.

The challenges are that you must take yourself out of LPN work mode and go into school mode answering questions textbook style based on a hospital that: 1. Is always adequately staffed

2. Fully stocked with all needed supplies

3. Has an experienced and knowledgeable charge nurse or supervisor

4. A supportive administration

5. MD's who are not inexperienced interns and residents and will know what to do when you call them about patient concerns or signs/symptoms.

Most LPN/LVN's in everyday work life do not experience all 5 of these things consistantly at work every day so they learn to adapt their practice accordingly over time after graduating LPN school.

This can alter how they end up answering board exam questions based on "Super Hospital."

KacyLynnRN · Sep 10, 2004

Thanks everyone, for your responses... I don't anticipate having problems on the NCLEX-RN (had none with the NCLEX-PN) but the few LPN's that got through RN school and didn't pass borads really has freaked me out a bit. I will just remember what you said about perfect hospital :chuckle and I might take some type of review course before taking the boards, such as Kaplan. Thanks again!

Kacy

Shed13911 · Sep 10, 2004

I was an LVN for 17 years before I went back to school and got my RN. I graduated in 1995 for the RN program. I too was terrified but I had only 75 questions and the computer turned off. I felt OK but was anxious too. Get plenty of rest before the test and don't second guess yourself on the test. Your first instinct is usually right. I think you will do fine. I also went to RN school with 5 other LVN's and all of us passed boards the first time around. Good luck and think positive!!

Jo Dirt · Sep 11, 2004

I have seen this happen to several LPN-RN students. The one thing that most are in agreement on is that as a practicing nurse (LPN) you know and understand the real world and what it takes to survive a shift in a hospital...
The NCLEX (book world) is vastly different. You need to make sure and use your experience when ever you can but don't let it get you into trouble.
I spoke with a nurse last year who remembered one of the questions on the test; As you move a pt from bed to gurney for a trip to OR, the pt asks you exactly what is going to happen to him. Dr has visited with pt, consent is signed...What do you do?
A. Tell him what to expect
B. Print off a copy of the procedure and give to the pt
C. Tell him not to worry, everything will be fine
D. Have the Dr return to the pt's room to explain the procedure, again
The 5 seasoned nurses in the room all jumped on "A". We do it every day!
The test wanted "D". Not gonna happen in the real world.
Use all of the "tools" that you have but try to remember the book world sometimes wants a different answer.

AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! :crying2:

I picked A!!! Well folks, I guess I know what to expect now...I think that being an LPN before you take the NCLEX can be a CURSE instead of a BLESSING!

Now I'm more scared than before! :uhoh21:

Edited to add: I don't know any nurse who would go after the doctor AGAIN to explain something like that to a patient....what kind of masochists do these test makers think nurses are???

featherzRN, MSN · Sep 11, 2004

I was an LVN and went to excelsior and passed boards just fine.