Degree or California license only nursing program?

Haunted · Dec 8, 2007

https://allnurses.com/forums/f137/non-degree-rn-license-issues-264706.html
There's an issue going on with our nursing program...
In December our class will have all the requirements needed to test for the nclex but we aren't issued degrees cause we still have another year left in our BSN program. We have the choice to take the nclex before we graduate which the BRN will label us as non-degreed RNs OR we continue on with the BSN program for another year and take our boards after we graduate which the BRN will label us as degreed RNs.
My issue is that I want to take my nclex before i graduate so that I can start working while i'm continuing my BSN program. This will give me a non-degree rn license yet i'm still planning on getting my BSN.
(even if i do receive my BSN afterwards, i'm still labeled a non-degreed RN, and I can only change my status if I take the NCLEX again)
Haunted,
I am pretty sure that lolale is correct. While NCLEX is a national exam, each individual state has the right to insist that candidates for licensure have met the educational requirements of that state. In most states, it is a requirement that NCLEX is taken and passed AFTER completing an educational program. It's sort of like the situation where some states refuse to recognize and license Excelsior College grads. Even though they have passed NCLEX, they may not be granted a license because they don't meet the educational requirements of that particular state.

Jolie, again, plainly stated, if you have satisfied the clinical and educational requirements to sit for the boards, you may do so. If you pass, you are issued a license to practice in the State where you took the boards. Many people choose to go this route and most continue their education. People even move to other States and get licensed to work there. Happens all the time.

Nursing shortage or not, no State is going to require a candidate to retake a nationally accredited board exam. It's pointless. We are, however required to show evidence of continuing education when we renew our license. Everyone has to.

Also, many alternative programs, you mention Excelsior, offer the same education and require you to complete clinical hours the same as everyone else who takes the NCLEX. Not everyone can sit in a classroom and attend clinicals traditionally. And not everyone lives or works in one State all of their lives. I am lucky I live in a country and work in a profession that offers me so many opportunities and options.

Jolie, BSN · Dec 8, 2007

haunted,

i am not trying to be argumentative. i sincerely hope that you are able to quickly obtain your tn license and return to practice. i am simply going on the information i've learned from previous discussions and from colleagues who have obtained their education via non-traditional means.

(even if i do receive my bsn afterwards, i'm still labeled a non-degreed rn, and i can only change my status if i take the nclex again)

the above quote is not from me, it is from a poster in ca who indicates that it is necessary to pass nclex a second time in order to remove the "non-graduate" designation from her license. that is consistent with what i've learned from my own research. maybe it is no longer current or accurate information.

and i am not bashing excelsior. i am simply stating the fact that some states (il included) do not recognize ec grads, despite their having passed nclex.

i am not criticizing or downgrading anyone's educational or licensure choices. i just think it is important for candidates to know what challenges they may face in obtaining licensure based on those choices.

caliotter3 · Dec 9, 2007

People who take the non-traditional route almost always have a very valid reason for doing so. Unfortunately, if down the road, there are negative consequences, then they must deal with them at the time they arise. The problems arise with institutions that do not clearly define the rules of the game to their students and/or treat different students differently at the time that students are exploring these alternate options. Everyone is entitled to good, current information when it applies to their future. That is just another example of not being fair about things. Happens more often than realized, in educational institutiions.

It is so obvious that with a national exam, there should be a national process for licensing. But as usual, this will probably never come about because it requires a lot of politicians to cooperate for the common good.

Haunted · Dec 9, 2007

I am just concerned about a lot of missinformation circulating regarding this subject specifically. Also, Jolie, I am not for a moment thinking you are bashing me or anything I have said. I have read a lot of your posts and have a diligent respect for your opinion. My story is unchanged and I do hope that we can get a traveler in here to shed some insight about working in other States.

I too hope I become licensed here in TN but it will happen in it's own time. I came here reluctantly and have an obligation to stay and try and make the best of this situation for my husband. Fortunately I do have somewhere else to go and work from time to time, and the people who have touched my life here will remain lifelong friends . Sorry for bad spelling but the spirit of my text remains.