LPN license eligible?

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2012

Why would you obtain an LPN licence?

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2012

I have never heard that being halfway through an RN program makes one eligible for the NCLEX-PN. I have always thought that one needed to have completed a practical nurse program to be eligible for the NCLEX-PN and an LPN license. Perhaps this varies by state, but when I googled it, the first match I got was to a state's BON website that specifically says individuals in RN programs are not eligible to take the NCLEX-PN.

But, I agree with the previous poster, if you are an RN, why would you get an LPN license?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 29, 2012

I think some--not all--states let you test for LVN after you complete half of your RN schooling. I know it's not my state, and I don't know which states are the ones that will let you do that. The only source for that answer is your state's BON.

Once you take the NCLEX-RN, I don't think you can go back to take the NCLEX-PN...and to echo the others here, why would you?

I think the only reason one would want to do this is if they are in a really craptastic job market that has no new opportunities for new RNs but tons of jobs for LVNs and therefore they think getting a LVN job will be the ticket to eventually finding RN work. Unfortunately, your state may not let you work as a LVN after you get your RN. If your state does let you, then there's the liability issue: you'd be limited to the LVN scope of practice but should anything happen, the Board will hold you to RN standards. Is it really worth it?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2012

i don't know how many states allow students to sit for the lpn/lvn license partway through their baccalaureate or associate's program, but i know it's a lot fewer than there used to be. it used to be totaly routine, but now i think it's rare. anybody want o chime in to tell us if your state doesn't allow this? or does?

toxic.waste · Jan 29, 2012

The only time I have ever heard of this is when I was looking for RN programs in different states. I do know the McLennan Community College in Waco, TX lets you test for NCLEX-PN after the first year of RN school. This is the only school I have heard of personally allowing this.

xenogenetic · Jan 30, 2012

In my state, Connecticut, you're allowed to either be licensed as either an LPN or RN, but not both. Once you apply for your RN license they automatically lapse your LPN license here in CT. If you're currently within an LPN position and about to sit for your RN license exams/licensure, you should check with your employer if they will be okay with you not having an LPN license or otherwise they might force you out of your job due to not being properly licensed.

agldragonRN · Jan 30, 2012

new york used to allow this. the rn students were allowed to write the nclex-pn halfway their program. they stopped it. i forgot why.

are you a nursing student or you are already a registered nurse? if you are a nursing student, you can ask the program coordinator whether your state and the school allow you to take the nclex-pn halfway your program.

in my state of new jersey, you are allowed to hold both lpn and rn licenses at the same time. i have both active and plan to keep it that way. some states don't allow you to keep both licenses active at the same time so better get the information from your state board of nursing.

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2012

Ohio still lets you do it and I know Arizona did a few yrs ago

AZMOMO2 · Jan 30, 2012

An RN can not become an LPN once she has already taken and passed the NCLEX-RN in any state because you are held to the higher licence. The only reason nursing students halfway through their programs used to be allowed to sit the PN exam was because the material had been taught and it gave another exit opportunity for students to take to work with finishing up their RN.

If its because you can't find an RN position and they are only hiring LPNs in your area, you can always negotiate to work as an RN at that position, usually this means that you just get a lower rate of pay.

MattNurse, MSN, RN · Jan 30, 2012

Arizona does with a brief bridge course, they make you do a few days of clinical and learn different scope of practice. Maricopa community colleges has the classes online and then you meet for OB and peds clinicals. I know some people who failed RN NCLEX and went to get the LPN because it was easier and they wanted to start working at nursing homes in Arizona.

finallyRN7, BSN · Feb 2, 2012

Meriwhen, that's exactly right. My area is pure crap for new opportunities for new RNs. I've come up with nearly desperate ideas to find good employment. It'll be two years this May since graduating with my AAS. Feeling like the degree is worthless and even worthless to go back to get a BSN for! Truly frustrating. Thanks for the input.