Finished first year of RN school. Should I take the NCLEX-PN?

[FLnurseprospect]

So I just finished my first year of nursing school (RN) and I'm eligible to take the NCLEX- PN.

I'm curious, is it worth doing or should I just wait till I finish nursing school and take my NCLEX RN?

The reasons I thought it would be helpful would be: 1. to start utilizing some of the skills I've learned so far and build my resume.

2. Perhaps I could look into picking up some per diem Home Health which will be more flexible with my student schedule.

3. To start forming relationships with other professionals in my career.

I do work as a medical assistant now but a lot of the LPN skills are outside of the scope of my certification.

What are your thoughts? Is it worth it?

[caliotter3]

Those who needed to work, went this route in my program. It also gives you an option if something disrupts your progress and you can't finish the RN program.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

You have to pay to take the test and I'm not sure how desirable you'd be as a new grad LPN in home health. If you have a specific job in mind (actual job offer), it might be worth it. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't bother.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Most home health agencies require nurses to have 1-2 years experience as a nurse. Some will hire anyone with a pulse. It's $200 for the exam plus whatever your state charges for the application ($50-$200). Are their jobs for new grad LPNs? Some jobs require you to graduate from PN school to maintain credentialing.

Do they have nurse student clinical externs at your local hospitals? That may be a better option

[FLnurseprospect]

Most home health agencies require nurses to have 1-2 years experience as a nurse. Some will hire anyone with a pulse. It's $200 for the exam plus whatever your state charges for the application ($50-$200). Are their jobs for new grad LPNs? Some jobs require you to graduate from PN school to maintain credentialing.

Do they have nurse student clinical externs at your local hospitals? That may be a better option

No, extern opportunities. Your comments are confirming my thinking that it's probably not worth it. Thank you for you all for your feedback.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

I have several friends who got their LPN license and worked as an LPN while finishing the RN. For each of them, they felt is was worth it doing this way. Only you can decide which way to go.

[TheNurseStudentMom]

I have several friends who got their LPN license and worked as an LPN while finishing the RN. For each of them, they felt is was worth it doing this way. Only you can decide which way to go.

I've been wondering about this myself. Thanks for your response. Do you know if every state offers this option or is it school-specific?

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

I've been wondering about this myself. Thanks for your response. Do you know if every state offers this option or is it school-specific?

I believe it depends on the state, not the school. My state, IN, does not offer taking the NCLEX-PN after your first year.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

I believe it depends on the state, not the school. My state, IN, does not offer taking the NCLEX-PN after your first year.

My state won't allow it either.

[TheNurseStudentMom]

I believe it depends on the state, not the school. My state, IN, does not offer taking the NCLEX-PN after your first year.

Thanks. I'll do more research. I appreciate your response.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

I've been wondering about this myself. Thanks for your response. Do you know if every state offers this option or is it school-specific?

NJ & TX and other states do not only graduates of schools of practical nursing are eligible

[TheNurseStudentMom]

NJ & TX and other states do not only graduates of schools of practical nursing are eligible

Thanks. I'm in NC. I noticed that one school here specifically stated that you could take it after you finished the first year.