challenging the nclex-pn

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After a long and hard four years of college, I have failed out of my ASN Program...a month before graduation and by two points. My only option now is to challenge the Nclex-pn and return to school through the LPN to RN program. I am done crying and even though it still hurts, I am ready to move forward and try again. Maybe this will be best for me because it will allow me to gain some hands on experience. I envied all my friends with hospital/medical experience because I felt they were able to relate textbook concepts to real life a lot easier than I could, who is straight out of highschool with no work experience other than being a cashier. I'm extremely disappointed in myself and am embarrassed to not have succeeded. I am tired emotionally and physically. Nursing school has worn down my confidence, but I want this. This is my dream. One step at a time. It's just so discouraging to have tried so hard, studied so hard, cried so hard, and spent so much time/money to fail.....no degree and lots of debt. But I will pick myself and use this setback as motivation.

How should I prepare for this exam? What advice can you give? Have you or do you know anyone who has taken this route of schooling?

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It wouldn't hurt to take it. I passed mine first try but only had the LPN program at the time. I found the test easy, the program a challenge, because, like you, had only worked as a cashier (well, the sales floor but same idea) prior. I did score high in my program though. Honestly, every program is different. Some schools are easy where others are not. The NCLEX is a nationally standardized test. If you feel confident in what you have learned, Then take the test. Get some experience after you pass...but remember, there is the real world way and the nursing school way. For us old bats going back several years later, forgetting the real world and memorizing the school world for exams is the hardest part. You will still need to answer questions by the book when you go back, even if the book isn't a showcase of reality.

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Thank you for your input. I have heard a lot from nurses I've worked with in clinical that there is a difference between what you're taught in nursing school and actually being a nurse in the real world. I will definitely keep that in mind! Do you recommend anything for studying or reviewing before taking the test?

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You prepare for the NCLEX the same way you would be preparing for the NCLEX had you graduated. Only difference is that you buy (or borrow from the library) PN NCLEX review books instead of RN NCLEX review books. BTW, when I did this, I already had RN review books and used those to prepare for the NCLEX PN. Passed with minimal study.

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Awesome, thank you! I wasn't sure how different it would be.

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The sooner you take the exam after having been in school, the better you will be. That is what made it easier for me. It was just like taking the next big nursing school exam, except that it counted for a license!

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Timing is important. Statistics show that the longer someone waits to take the test the less likely they are to fail. The big thing that may trip you up is delegation questions since it is the LPN test instead of the RN. What an LPN can do after additional certifications post licensure are skills that an RN can do with only an RN license (ex: IVs need certification course for an LPN to do IVs, RNs are covered with original licensure). The NCLEX review books are best to study with. Do a lot of practice questions to get a feel for the exam setup. Good luck

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Are you positive you are allowed to challenge the NCLEX PN? Being a LPN isn't a consolation prize for failed RN students. I'm not saying that to be mean, but many LPNs are offended by the idea of RN students viewing their profession as no more than a backup plan for if they fail the RN program.

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I am pretty positive I am able to since this was suggested by the course coordinator during my exit interview from the program. I don't see becoming a LPN as a prize or backup plan, more like an opportunity to utilize what I have learned so far in school and continue my education without having to go to a different university and start completely over. I am very grateful to be able to do so, I didn't expect to nor do I think it will be any easier than nclex-RN.

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Many RN programs have a point where the student has passed the required courses for the LPN boards. If you've passed the requirements then you could take the test. I do know some students who passed RN school, failed RN NCLEX, but passed PN NCLEX

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This is true. I failed out right before starting our last course before graduation. I would've graduated in May, which is basically in a month. The point where we are allowed to sit for the LPN test was a course ago after pediatrics. I've also heard of RN students doing that as well and I've heard of people taking the nclex multiple times.

I just don't think it's fair to think all failed out RN students think becoming a LPN is a "oh I failed out of RN school, I'll just become a LPN because it's easy." Maybe that's what some think. But I definitely don't. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't know I am qualified or allowed to do so. I'm not taking this lightly either. I am studying and preparing just like I would had I been able to move onto Competency and do nclex prep with the program. I think this is a great opportunity to gain experience and work doing something I love until I can return to school next summer.

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Timing is important. Statistics show that the longer someone waits to take the test the less likely they are to fail. The big thing that may trip you up is delegation questions since it is the LPN test instead of the RN. What an LPN can do after additional certifications post licensure are skills that an RN can do with only an RN license (ex: IVs need certification course for an LPN to do IVs, RNs are covered with original licensure). The NCLEX review books are best to study with. Do a lot of practice questions to get a feel for the exam setup. Good luck

I have a typo here that I need to correct. The sooner you test the better you will score according to studies. I don't know how I could have misworded that so badly and not caught it right away. Must be stress :-(

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