Can ADN students take the NCLEX-pn before they are done

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Apr 26, 2007

Generally not, but it depends on which state we're talking about.

Esther2007 · Apr 26, 2007

You have to check with your school. It is depends on how the program is set up. Check with your state too.

justrissy · Apr 26, 2007

Hi here in wisconsin yes you can take the PN boards after your 2nd semester

suzanne4, RN · Apr 26, 2007

Hi here in wisconsin yes you can take the PN boards after your 2nd semester

Depends on how the school sets up their curriculum. Not all schools get thru the required courses in the same format, some complete them in the first year, and some have them split up.

tntrn, ASN, RN · Apr 26, 2007

This is my 31st year of nursing and this idea bothers me. There's another thread on allnurses today about the same thing. Taking the "board" exam (what we called it way back when) before you actually finish the class, what does that get you? And surely/hopefully you can't go get a job as an RN with a passing grade but not having finished the entire curriculum. Can someone please ease my fears about this? New nurses are green enough as it is. That is not meant to be a slap in the face, but rather the truth. I remember it well.

This feels like a dangerous precendent to me: pass the exam, never mind the rest of the classes.

1AndyRN · Apr 26, 2007

This is my 31st year of nursing and this idea bothers me. There's another thread on allnurses today about the same thing. Taking the "board" exam (what we called it way back when) before you actually finish the class, what does that get you? And surely/hopefully you can't go get a job as an RN with a passing grade but not having finished the entire curriculum. Can someone please ease my fears about this? New nurses are green enough as it is. That is not meant to be a slap in the face, but rather the truth. I remember it well.
This feels like a dangerous precendent to me: pass the exam, never mind the rest of the classes.

Many people choose to take the NCLEX PN while their still in school (for RN) so that they can start working. Also, some people fail the second year of the ADN program and still can sit for their PN exam. PN schools are usally 12-13 months. The first year of the RN cirriculum covers the PN cirriculum. My school offers an LPN to RN option. This is in PA.

tntrn, ASN, RN · Apr 27, 2007

Many people choose to take the NCLEX PN while their still in school (for RN) so that they can start working. This is in PA.

So if you can pass the exam, why bother to go to school at all? Like I said, this sounds like a dangerous precedent waiting to be set.

justrissy · Apr 27, 2007

You aren't taking the RN boards you are taking the LPN boards. In Wisconsin all Technical schools have the same curriculum with the LPN program being the 1st year of the 2yr RN program

e123 · Apr 27, 2007

I am going to school in MI but live in OH. I would like to be able to work sooner where it is warmer. I hate winter! I have been thinking about texas myself. I know some people in Austin. Maybe there. I guess I'll probably have to wait a year. Thanks for your reply.

suzanne4, RN · Apr 27, 2007

So if you can pass the exam, why bother to go to school at all? Like I said, this sounds like a dangerous precedent waiting to be set.

They would be working as an LPN, and in that role only. Not in the RN role as they have not taken that exam yet and are unable to do so until they graduate.

Not all states permit it, and they have to be attending a school that gives them all of the PN components in that first year or they are unable to sit for the exam in the first place.

e123 · Apr 27, 2007

thanks suzanne!