Getting LPN License while in nursing school?

[Mommyto2and2]

I don't know really anything about Oklahoma nursing law so I thought I would check with you all on this. A student who is close to graduation told me that you can take the LPN exam after the third semester of school. Then you can work as an LPN through the last semester and when you graduate, they consider you "experienced." All this means, I guess, is that you are making money earlier and don't have to start with new grad pay. Is this true?

Also, At OSU-OKC, the last semester consists of Advanced Nursing and Trends and Issues in Nursing for a total of 10 hours. This total does not include clinicals. Is it even realistic to take that last semester and be a new LPN all at the same time?

I have a long way to go before this is an issue but thought I would check. Thanks

[GulfCoastGal]

I did this in 2003 after I had completed my second semester of nursing school at OU in the BSN program. I can't remember what verification I had to have for the board of nursing, but I took the NCLEX for LPNs and passed. Then I worked for two years as an LPN. ( I split my senior year up into two years b/c I had a new baby). After I graduated and passed the NCLEX for RN's, you are right, I made more money b/c those counted as years of experience. So my pay was higher than the other new grads. I think this is an excellent option and it worked great for me.

[picurn10]

I think it's a great option too! I'm actually going LPN to RN because it shaved about 6mo off the application process for me, and the added huge advantage of working as an LPN while in RN school. From all the nurses I've talked to who worked as LPN while in RN school, they've all said the same: the experience is invaluable and gives you a huge leg up when it comes to knowing what you're doing. If you think about it, your classmates will have their one or two days per week in clinicals (which is very structured and supervised for most) but you'll have that AND a few days a week where you are working independently as a nurse and getting paid for it!

From what I understand, depending on what school you're in, you just have the contact the state BON and they will send you the challenge form to sit for the NCLEX-PN anytime after your second semester of RN school.

[picurn10]

oh, and just to clarify LPN school is nursing school, and you will be a nurse once you get your LPN, so of course hospitals will give you credit for working as a nurse.