Is NCLEX-PN easier than NCLEX-RN?

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Nov 25, 2008

I think there was a poster here that had failed the RN boards but went on to take the PN test and they passed. In my opinion you're better off just taking the RN. The RN and PN exams are entirely different since they both have different scopes of practices. It is not the same as the RN exam.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Nov 25, 2008

PN is different to RN and better to stick to with RN

caliotter3 · Nov 25, 2008

Of my classmates who took the PN exam prior to taking the RN exam, two of them told me that they found the PN exam to be more difficult. I thought it could have been because the PN exam was their first time to take the test so they felt more pressure. Don't know. I wouldn't waste time with the PN exam unless you have a reason to obtain a PN license. I took the PN exam so that I could work. I've been working for years now as a PN and haven't had a chance to take the RN exam. This has put me at a disadvantage although it is good to be employed in any capacity. Do what is best for you in your circumstances.

flamingopink · Nov 25, 2008

Stay with the RN. I went through RN school and wasnt able to grad, as an RN due to the whole HESI thing. However, I was allowed to take LVN boards. It was very hard to refocus the scope of practice. I kept answering practice questions within the scope of an RN. I took my PN boards today and it was bruital. I had a friend who took the RN three times but she passed. Just keep on trying!!!! You worked far to hard.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2008

Stick with what you studied for.

I've taken both and they're different. I will say that the RN required a LOT more analysis than the PN.

RNof2008 · Nov 26, 2008

I was just wondering if anyone failed the RN exam and then took the PN exam and passed. I have only taken the RN once and failed after 265q's, but I feel as though I am never going to improve my knowlege unless I get some hands on. I have studied and I am burnt out trying to study after the kids go to bed. I am doing the Kaplan tests and 65% is about the best I can do, which doesn't put me any where close to passing the RN exam. I have applied for the PN exam but I wonder if its going to be the same as the RN?

I'm a LPN and I just finished RN school not long ago and sit for LPN and RN boards and passed LPN 1st time and have taken RN 2xs'. (By the grace of God the 3rd time will be the charm!) I believe that they are both equally hard it's not easy either way but since you went to RN school it would be better for you to test on the material you've learned from. Best wishes!

allhrt2rn · Nov 26, 2008

well, thanks for all your opinions. I am totally freaked out about taking boards again. I don't feel i'm ready for either but I have to do something or go back to being a cna, which is not the worst its losing $10 an hour when I am the one employed right now and 2 kids.

BettyBoo706 · Nov 26, 2008

I think the exams are two different scope considering what a LPN and a RN are allowed to do.

suzanne4, RN · Nov 26, 2008

If you are going to take the PN exam, and did not train in that area; then you are going to need to spend weeks preparing for it, there is much information that is included on that exam that will need to prepare for and be very aware of such as what the PN can and cannot do.

Really makes no sense to write that exam if you did not train to be one in the first place. And the exam is completely different as well.

Listen to what others are telling you here.