Is it true that you can check if your classmate passed or failed the NCLEX?

morte, LPN, LVN · Mar 21, 2013

A matter of public record. She just got to it first.

My auntie's classmate knew my auntie passed her RN Boards before she even saw her results. Apparently, her classmate searched her name somewhere. Does anyone know this? What's the website?
Isn't this a HIPAA violation?! lol
If it is true, that's not fair. I wouldn't want anyone else to know my results without my consent.

BouBou · Mar 21, 2013

Many states have an online licensing verification page. You can look up beaticianns, doctors, nurses, plumbers, etc.

shicurls, BSN · Mar 21, 2013

Nope it's public information. My state even has our addresses up there...I hate it.

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2013

It is not a HIPAA violation. Anyone can search my name on the BON website because it is public information. Thankfully my state only states my name, active/inactive license, license number and year it was issued. It also states if you have any actions against your license.

Nurse Neddie · Mar 21, 2013

You can change the view able address to your work address, but yea feel that's crazy too!!!!!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Mar 21, 2013

HIPAA only refers to protected health & insurance information. It has nothing to do with passing a licensing exam. NCLEX has no link to medical insurance, medical diagnosis, treating healthcare professionals, or facilities. NCLEX is also not related to FERPA (which protects privacy school health and educational records).

Like others said, professional licensing is public information it's most likely that the friend didn't see the NCLEX result but saw your aunt's name on the board of nursing website/directory as actively licensed. Most of us know before the rest of the world due to stalking the BoN website in search of our name & active license once finished with NCLEX. I know I did, I think I nearly wore the refresh button off my keyboard.

itsdebraanne, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2013

Wow. That is crazy. But i understand why this is true; assurance that who you hired or who cared for you is licensed.

BouBou · Mar 21, 2013

I will confess that I have checked on few of classmates not out of maliciousness, but for inspiration.

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 21, 2013

You won't know they failed unless you knew for a fact that they applied for licensure in that state and sat for the exam on a particular day.

St_Claire, ADN, RN · Mar 21, 2013

You can look them up here: http://www.nursys.com

Racer15, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2013

My mom knew before I did that I had passed the NCLEX. I was asleep when my license was posted, just a matter of public record. You don't have to know the date someone took their NCLEX. In my state you have to have a provisional license prior to registering for the NCLEX and those only last six months. Take your NCLEX and fail and your provisional license lapses that day.