BSN degree with no RN license

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Hello. I graduated from nursing school a while ago. I never passed my NCLEX. I tried many times, but never had any success. I live in Illinois, where there is a 3 year time limit to pass the test, and I am past the 3 years. So I cannot even try to take it anymore. I was wondering what types of jobs I can get with just my degree besides a CNA. I have researched this a lot, and I have heard of people finding jobs as research coordinators and some can be medical assistants. Some employers require a certification, some don't. But are there any other kinds of jobs? Like in community health, health departments, or any other types of hospital jobs? Also, I have heard of some people trying to take the NCLEX-PN instead. Is this possible? I didn't know if I can do this since its still past my 3 years since I first signed up to take the RN test. But I have never signed up to take the LPN test. Is it possible that I am still able to? I have also heard of people in Illinois going to Iowa to take the NCLEX RN because they have no time limit, and you do not have to live there to take it. But if I was to pass it in Iowa, would I have to work in that state? I know this is a lot of questions. Thank you in advance :)

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I would have discussion with the Iowa BON and find out what it requires should you pass the Iowa NCLEX to then get a license in your state.

I would also think about a refresher, and a test prep course.

The LPN nclex is not "easier" than the RN nclex. It just covers different information and skills--it covers some of the same as an RN nclex, but it is not any easier. And, as some threads on AN discuss, the LPN nclex is not some consolation prize for not obtaining a passing score on the RN nclex.

If you have a bachelor's degree, I would also have conversation with your former college's guidance counselor, to see if you can take some more coursework and obtain an alternate degree as well. Such as human resources, social work, even teaching. If you choose to continue on to attempt the NCLEX again after your refresher, I would have conversation with the school on testing for learning disabilities. In that, some people, no matter how it is presented, are unable to test well. And this could set up accommodations for you to be able to succeed. There are many adults who are realizing they have learning issues that need to be addressed, that has nothing to do with intelligence.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in PICU.

You could also look at a job that wants someone who has a degree in health care. Many Non-profits may want someone with a health care backgound. As long as it does not also ask for a license or specifically sate RN, you could be okay

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Can you test in another state?

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I took my NCLEX in Wisconsin and I live in IL. It doesn't matter where you take it.

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Personally, I thought the NCLEX-PN was more difficult than the NCLEX-RN. Regardless, if you couldn't pass your RN NCLEX, you are not going to pass the NCLEX-PN. Contrary to BSN school propaganda, practical nurses do have to know pathophysiology, delegation, priority, and nursing interventions.

You should probably take a refresher course and try taking the NCLEX in another state.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.
I would have discussion with the Iowa BON and find out what it requires should you pass the Iowa NCLEX to then get a license in your state.

I would also think about a refresher, and a test prep course.

The LPN nclex is not "easier" than the RN nclex. It just covers different information and skills--it covers some of the same as an RN nclex, but it is not any easier. And, as some threads on AN discuss, the LPN nclex is not some consolation prize for not obtaining a passing score on the RN nclex.

If you have a bachelor's degree, I would also have conversation with your former college's guidance counselor, to see if you can take some more coursework and obtain an alternate degree as well. Such as human resources, social work, even teaching. If you choose to continue on to attempt the NCLEX again after your refresher, I would have conversation with the school on testing for learning disabilities. In that, some people, no matter how it is presented, are unable to test well. And this could set up accommodations for you to be able to succeed. There are many adults who are realizing they have learning issues that need to be addressed, that has nothing to do with intelligence.

Best wishes!

Iowa doesn't have it's own NCLEX! Illinois is not a compact state, so applying to get an IA license so she can take the NCLEX there still means she will need to get an IL license. Do they smile upon this backdoor approach?

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Thank you all for all the great replies. I appreciate it. My main focus of my post was the first half of it. Trying to figure out what else I can do with my degree, like medical assisting, research coordinators, etc. The idea of being able to take the NCLEX in a different state or taking the PN test were "thought I'd ask just incase" thoughts. I really wasn't having too much hope on those. I've accepted the nursing thing is not going to happen. I'm really just trying to explore what else I can do.

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Since you have bachelors, you can try taking Dentistry instead, if you can take up loans and such. If you have interest in computer science, take classes and get BSCS. Then nursing infomatics. Maybe you also consider taking refresher course towards another chance for NCLEX down the road. I heard that too, taking NCLEX PN instead although I don't know about this one. Anyhow, What I heard was, LPN and RN nclex starting to get more difficult than recent years. I hope you can find what path to take soon. Good luck.

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Thanks. I would love to keep trying to take the test, but my state has a 3 year time limit, and I am past the 3 years. Unless I do nursing school all over again, which I cannot afford at this time.

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