challenge NCLEX-PN while doing BSN

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

Hey guys,

I am a junior in a BSN program in Cali, and I want to challenge the LVN boards while still pursuing my BSN. I was just wondering if anyone on the board had tried this before? When I told my instructor about it she said she did not know if it was possible, but after I researched the board of nursing web site, I found out I could.

So, I know some of you may be wondering why I would want to do such a thing right? Well, to start with I am not failing, instead I am earning A's and B's in my nursing classes. However, I feel that if I can get a year of med/sug experience as an LVN while in school I would transition better into the ICU when I graduate the BSN program. Yes, I could do a year of med/surg when I am done with BSN and then transition into ICU, but I think that would take longer.

So, the question is have you, or do u know anyone who has tried this before? And if you haven't I would still love to hear your opinion on this. Thank u all, CIAO

Specializes in Tele, ICU, ER.

I sat the NCLEX-PN while I was in my ADN program (as soon as I had the requirements to do so). Was very glad I did. Worked as an PCT, sat the PN, worked as an LPN at the same place, and then when I got my RN, stayed there as an RN. I think it made a real difference to have that extra experience while I finished my RN program. I was the only one in my class that did it but I figured, why not?

Oh and when I went for jobs, the employer counted my LPN time toward experience, which I thought was cool.

Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

Cool! Thanks for answering. I'll jump on it as soon as I finish peds next quarter. CIAO

But please do not call it "Challenging" the boards, you have to have completed the required amount of hours in order to be able to sit for the exam. You are stiing for it, the same as any other nurse that completed the appropriate amount of hours in an approved nursing school.

The only ones that can truly "challenge" the PN exam, are those that were corpsmen in the military, and that can be done only in California and Virginia. And licenses obtained that way are noever endorseable to another state.

But be aware that each state has its own requirements on this, as well as the curriculum in your school must be acceptable to CA BRN after you complete the junior year of school.

You may also want to check out some of the mentoring programs in the hospitals in your area, they are available only to RN students, and not if you had your LVN. Especially if you want to go to some of the specialty areas. Salaries for LVNs are not much different from the nurse tech positions and you may find yourself losing out on some excellent opportunities. Also there are very few LVN positions available in hospitals in CA anymore.

Please do some further checking before signing on the dotted line and see what will be available to you with the LVN and what will be available to you as a student.

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