Becoming an LPN while in RN school

Nurses LPN/LVN

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So, I am in my last 8 months of FAMU's BSN program in Tallahassee, FL, and I take my NCLEX-PN in four days!! I found out a while back that you could challenge the boards for LPN, but could never really find much info from people who actually did it. I wanted to create a thread for other nurses who are thinking about doing the same thing!! The whole process took a couple months for me, but could have been done much faster if I had some advice from someone in the same situation.

Thinking about becoming an LPN while finishing up RN schooling?? Have any questions?? Let me know :)

ChrystalAD

Just wanted to give an update.. I've been working as an LPN for two months now, while still enrolled full-time in a BSN program. My classes are Tuesday-Friday and I've been working 7a-7p every Saturday and Sunday. I haven't had a weekend off in 8 weeks! But I'm still so glad that I decided to do this! I'm gaining a lot of clinical experience every weekend that I work, and am growing tremendously in my ability to manage my time (both at work and at home).

At first, it was really difficult losing my weekends, because that's when I did most of my studying. I would find myself not using my weekdays wisely, and then cramming every Monday. It was really stressful, and I actually saw a decline in my school work because of it. I failed two (of seven) Advanced Med-Surg exams in the first 3 weeks of working- And I am NOT the type of student who fails exams. I typically don't even make C's, so I was feeling very discouraged. However, I have since learned to better manage my studies throughout the weekdays, and just finished my 4th of 5 semesters with 2 A's and 3 B's. It was an adjustment, and it still is a little stressful during test weeks, but I am making it work :)

As far as the clinical side of things go, I am learning so much every day. I found that it's true what everyone said about these ALF's throwing you on the floor without proper training. I had two days of training- and am a BRAND NEW nurse- and was just thrown out there, expected to manage 30+ patients each 12-hr shift. I've gotten the hang of it now, but I definitely contemplated quitting a couple times!! lol.. I'm finding that LPNs in these facilities take a lot of short-cuts to get everything done. For example, we all know you should never pre-pull your meds. However, when you have 30+ patients to medicate, who are out of their rooms floating around a huge facility, pre-pulling is the only way you'll ever get by. I really struggled with this at first, but have given in now.

Anyways, back to the pro's, I'm learning a lot about diabetes management, Parkinson's management, and have performed tons of ostomy care, IM injections, and given care now to two patients in the end-of-life. Some things you just don't really grasp until you see them manifested in a real person, and that's a big plus for me. Also, since I am so close to graduating as an RN, I have a lot to offer my patients that a normal LPN couldn't. It's been really amazing catching things in patients, and talking with their physicians and seeing them improve with suggestions I've made. I've had a couple patients in particular who have had real turn-arounds in their lives because of suggestions and interventions I've made. It's really rewarding, and is preparing me for my future career as an RN. It's also given me more confidence, because I'm seeing how important the nurses role is. We are there with the patients every day, whereas the doctors might not be. I've found that these physicians really seem to value your suggestions for the most part, and that's been nice to see.

So yeah, overall this has been a very rewarding opportunity for me, and I'm managing school and work just fine. Not to mention, the pay is far better than any other part-time job I could find around here. I hope this update helps, for anyone who might be considering the same thing!

Graduation date: May 2nd, 2015!!! I can see the light!!!!!!

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HI i am currently in an RN program and i would be done next year. and i want to take the Nclex pn how do i go about it and what do i need to put together. how should i prepare for it and what materials do i need to use. i am in jersey. would appreciate if you give me an email to reach you.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
HI i am currently in an RN program and i would be done next year. and i want to take the Nclex pn how do i go about it and what do i need to put together. how should i prepare for it and what materials do i need to use. i am in jersey. would appreciate if you give me an email to reach you.

Not possible in New Jersey. Only graduates of practical nursing schools are eligible for. NCLEX -PN /LPN licensing. The regulations are very specific especially that RN education is not equivalent to LPN education. And vice versa

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I'm not sure if New Jersey allows the LPN equivalency like Florida does. This is how the FL application showed it. It's called PNEQ.

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Also, my email address is [email protected]. If it is allowed in your state, I'd be glad to share the application process with you.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Also, my email address is [email protected]. If it is allowed in your state, I'd be glad to share the application process with you.

It's not permitted in NJ.

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The whole "don't work and focus on school" thing sounds unrealistic. Especially if you are living on your own. How else is one supposed to pay bills, gain experience, and go to school? LPN/LVN sounds like a win-win to me. I'm a CNA and a co-worker of mine became an LPN not too long ago. He works two 16 hours shifts one on Saturday and one on Sunday. This frees him up during the week to attend his RN program. Not to mention the exposure. Working as a CNA/LPN gives you a first hand view into bedside manner, med pass, how people can be crazy, etc. Sounds good to me.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

It's fine if it's an option but challenging LPN during RN school is not an option in many states.

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Just take a pool position and see how you feel about the situation so you can still go to school and pursue your RN license and you will be able to work as much or as little as you would like with just. Having to only. Fulfill your pool requirements

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