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.
In my state it is school specific. Usually the community colleges offer this option. That first year is the same for both LPN and RN which is why you can take that option.
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?
First, it depends on your state. Then, if your state allows it, it depends on the policy of your school. There have been reports of people who have tried to do this being denied because, although allowed in their state, their schools would not sign off on the paperwork.
I'm in Florida and on our boards website it states you are allowed. Our professors also told us about it in the beginning of this last semester.
Not sure if certain schools don't allow their students to but ours does. I have read on other boards where the State allowed it but the school did not.
First, it depends on your state. Then, if your state allows it, it depends on the policy of your school. There have been reports of people who have tried to do this being denied because, although allowed in their state, their schools would not sign off on the paperwork.
some new grad residency programs require the applicant to NOT have any prior nursing experience, including LPN experience, to qualify. just something to consider.
I went to a school in Iowa that required us to take our LPN boards after the first year. It was actually a new policy with our incoming class they didn't always do it that way. A lot of us complained about having to do it, but now after graduating with my RN degree I am thankful I did it because I have failed my RN NCLEX so I have something to fall back on until I get my RN boards passed. There were a lot of people who worked as an LPN in my class, also there were students who didn't pass the semester so they had their LPN license to fall back on as well. Also someone stated needing 1-2yrs exp. for home health and I have ran into that problem while looking for jobs the home health require the exp. Good luck with whatever you decide.
If you don't mind the expense of taking the test and there are plentiful job opportunities for LPN's in your area that work with a school schedule I say sure, take it. Not only will you have some nursing experience and a possible foot in the door for future RN employment you will also have NCLEX experience which will make sitting the test for your RN license a little less stressful as you will already have an idea what the expect.
quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN
953 Posts
In my state it is school specific. Usually the community colleges offer this option. That first year is the same for both LPN and RN which is why you can take that option.