lpn license by endorsement

[nurse dor]

Hi fellow nurses

I live in ct. but just passed my RI lpn. This was license by endorsement after completing 3 yrs of an RN BSN program. Big problem CT won't alow transfer due to less than 1500 hrs, clinical and theory. I am willing to work in RI to accumulate enough work credits. Still no complete answer from CT board of health. Any suggestions from someone who is in same situation? It makes no sense CT is supposed to be one of the hardest hit states with the nursing shortage.:redbeathe

[suzanne4, RN]

Not sure how it is a license by endorsement since it is the first license that you hold. Am I not correct on this?

Passing of the NCLEX exams have reciprocity, meaning that the result is valid for all fifty states, but you must meet the educational requirements of the state to be able to get licensed there. And not all programs meet all requirements. And there are actually quite a few states that no longer permit a student to sit for the PN exam when they are in the RN program.

Each state is free to set their own requirements, and if your state told you what they wanted to see, then you will need to meet that before they will look at your application.

And with what you are mentioning, you do not have enough clinical and theory hours in your program as of yet to meet their requirements. Notice that it states nothing about having work experience. Clinical and theory means actual training in a school program. And you went thru RI because they would permit you to test, yes? You will need to work there as an LPN, if that is what you wish to do. CT has very strict requirements on licensure. And remember that the shortage is with RNs, not with LPNs.

I would focus on getting experience working as a student tech or extern while you are in your program to get better experience. And you pay should be similar to that of the LPN, but you will get much better clinical experiences with the extern program.

Your state is telling you that you need to have the completed clinical time done before they will issue you a license as an LPN, and that is up to them.

Best of luck as you finish your schooling.

[soontobe2011]

Hey there.. 2 things.. I am in a similar boat.. I read somewhere while I was hunting down answers (it may have been on the board site) that you need to work the difference to make up to the 1500 hours. Then you can apply, and it should be successful. I'm sorry I can't be more specific, I can't remember where I read that.

I have a question for you. I have been calling and emailing RI board of Nursing and get no reply. I finished most of my RN program in CT (656 hours) and would love to apply for LPN in Rhode Island. I can't find anywhere on their site that talks about that. All the information I find says you have to graduate from a program in RI.

I know that I qualify in New Hampshire, and am on the verge of getting my license there but really it's Rhode Island where I ultimately want to move back to.

Any ideas? You're the first person I've seen thats completed part of a program and LPN'd in RI... THX.