How to take the LPN/LVN exam while still in RN school

[djncrew]

I am in a RN program. I am an older, second career student. I am doing ok in school, but I struggle a little. I am planning to move out of state when I graduate. I got a "probation" for something stupid (not dangerous / or pertaining to not having knowledge). My school will drop you for probation for things like not paying a fee on time or not submitting a photocopy of something on time...etc.... I am worried that if I get another probation I will be OUT. I am almost done with 3rd. I cannot start this all over again. application process of 12-18 mos, then two more years of school. So to ensure a back up plan I want to take the LPN/LVN test ( I am processing for CNA now). If I get certified as LPN/LVN, I can work AND then process as a LVN o RN tudent... I have looked on line, but dont get clear info or pathways. ANY SUGGESTIONS??? thank you in advance!! DJ

[RNGrammie]

It would help to know what state you reside in. In NY, you can no longer sit for the NCLEX-PN while an RN student. You must complete the LPN program.

[djncrew]

I am in California and will be moving to Mass

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

You can't do it in MA either, been that way for many years. That's probably why you're not finding clear directions on how to do it ... you can't do it. Call the MA Board of Registration (http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/provider/licensing/occupational/nursing/education/) in Nursing for the definitive scoop if you like.

Why not just ...finish school?

[brillohead, ADN, RN]

Check with the CA BON. I seem to recall that CA allows LVN challenging, but I don't remember the criteria.

My ADN program is structured so that at the end of the first year you can sit for NCLEX-PN, and some people just end right there if they flunk out of one of the second-year courses. It just depends on what classes and how many hours of clinical experience your BON requires in order to sit for the NCLEX-PN.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

....and, even if you can do it in Cali, it may not e accepted in Mass....

[grownuprosie]

check with your school. Some are structured such that you are capable of testing out as an LVN after the first year. There is a school in my area that does that. My school however, does not. It has to do with how their curriculum is structured.

Honestly though, this may just be a sign to straighten up and fly right. It sounds like you have already decided that you are going to mess up again. Get a calendar. Turn in stuff on time. It looks like you are looking for a really complex solution to a simple problem.

[virgo,student nurse, CNA]

Thank you for the information. I will pass this onto my friend who is in her RN program, she was going to ask the same question. We are here in NY, maybe this is why there was no information.