Filipino BSN / RN to apply for Texas LVN

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I'm a BSN graduate from the Philippines and hopefully will move to Texas using a fiance visa which is still being processed. I desire to work as an LVN once I'll be moving there. Is it preferrable for me to take the NCLEX-PN when I'm already there? Any advise on the application and documents needed would be helpful as well. Many thanks!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Nurse Registration forum.

Why go for LPN if you have BSN and can apply for RN?

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

You must be a graduate of a school of practical/vocational nursing to be an LVN in TX (unlike CA). You can't just decide to take the nclex PN in many states without graduating from a BoN approved school of practical/vocational nursing. has an alternate

Why not apply for RN?

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Oh my, I didn't know that... Thanks for the info. It's my personal choice why I prefer to be an LVN. I believe RN s have more responsibilities and their line of job is more stressful. How many years does practical nursing school has? Do you think there is a health care job I can apply over there before I can take the NCLEX-PN?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Oh my, I didn't know that... Thanks for the info. It's my personal choice why I prefer to be an LVN. I believe RN s have more responsibilities and their line of job is more stressful. How many years does practical nursing school has? Do you think there is a health care job I can apply over there before I can take the NCLEX-PN?

You would have to attend a 12-18 month vocational nursing program. You cannot just take the nclex-PN you must apply to schools, get accepted, pass & graduate, apply for a LVN license by examination, pass the background check, receive approval to register and take the NCLEX-PN then you can pay for, register and take the NCLEX PN.

You can seek work in a non-patient care role such as unit secretary, receptionist, patient transporter. You may qualify to challenge CNA certification (often not via board of nursing but state department of health) however many employers may be hesitant when they learn you are an IEN RN concerned that this us just a stepping stone

Your fears are unrealistic as in Texas the scope of practice & responsibility of an LVN is extremely close to an RN. The stress is not likely less as an LVN and some may think it's more so when you need to seek out an RN for assistance such as signatures and initiating blood transfusions.

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Thank you very much for your prompt replies. I figured the application would be a process but didn't know a course program is one of the requirements before I can apply for the LVN exam. Thank you for the suggestions as well about what job options I can seek. I will consider looking for more information about CNA certification and hope I will be qualified to challenge this. I really appreciate your answers on my queries; thanks again.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Thank you very much for your prompt replies. I figured the application would be a process but didn't know a course program is one of the requirements before I can apply for the LVN exam. Thank you for the suggestions as well about what job options I can seek. I will consider looking for more information about CNA certification and hope I will be qualified to challenge this. I really appreciate your answers on my queries; thanks again.

You need to apply to, get accepted and complete/graduate from a school of practical/vocational nursing before you can apply for an LVN license by examination

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I understand. Thank you again.

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You will need a credentials evaluation and an English exam prior to being authorised to take the nursing licensure exam. You might want to have a look at the Texas Board of Nursing website for the complete list. Since you are waiting for your fiancé visa to be processed, it might be a good idea to start processing your application for the NCLEX as well since you will need to submit paperwork to your school and the PRC. If you are worried about being stressed from the job, you can opt for a non acute facility to work in, you don't have to be a hospital nurse if that doesn't appeal to you. You already have a BSN degree, it seems like such a waste if you don't use it.

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Thank you, Nurse Amanda. I am checking out if I will be qualified to apply for the NCLEX-RN. However, I am worried because I don't have any work experience as a nurse. If I will have to take a refresher course, that would be fine but still there would be the competition for employment in which I don't feel confident because of my lack of experience. I am considering maybe I should check if I will qualify to challenge the CNA instead and if all goes well, I can start from there.

I am also thinking maybe it would be best to check out LVN schools instead. I think there would be better chances of employment if I start out getting education and qualification from one of those.

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