What to do if can't pass LPN exit exam but have diploma?

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2009

Hi, I have posted questions previously regarding my situation and would like some more input please. I graduated from LPN school in July . I have my diploma and transcripts however my school won't send my information to the Board of nursing until I pass the dreaded ATI exit exam. I have 3 tries to pass and failed it the first time and am petrified to take it again. My question is this. (I live in Ohio by the way) Is there any way to get around the exit exam so that I can sit for my boards? Can I take my transcripts and diploma to another state to qualify to sit for the boards there and then transfer my license back to Ohio? I know its a long shot but any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I know there are a few states that I may be able to do something like that.

Hmmmmm.....I would see an attorney about that one, and I'll tell you why.

If you have received your diploma...then you have graduated. A school cannot refuse to send your transcripts unless you have a financial obligation.

Schools with exist exams usually DO NOT give the diploma at all...that their way around it.

That is why you need to see an attorney...b/c he/she would need to find out what legally constitutes "graduating" with the educational system in your particular state.

However, you have yours.

The BON will not take your transcripts because they are unofficial. Only official transcripts, sent directly from the registrar's office, are acceptable.

Lynaa4life · Nov 3, 2009

Thanks for the information..I was hoping not to have to go the legal route but maybe that is what i will have to end up doing. I throught it was pretty strange that I had my diploma and transcripts but the school says they won't send my information to the Board of Nursing unless I pass the exit exam. What's interesting is this. we didn't even take our exit exam until the day after graduation. My school states that if you don't pass the exit exam on the 3rd attempt you have to repeat the entire year over, something I am unwilling to do. I have family in Texas and I am even willing to take my transcripts there and stay a few months to try to qualify to sit for boards there. This whole situation is really a little disconcerting to me. All my hard work for nothing. At least, that's how I feel. It is now November and I should have long had my license.

Lynaa4life · Nov 4, 2009

Does anyone else have any input regarding this situation? I am pretty desperate here. has anyone ever heard of these kinds of things happening or been through a situation similar? Please help me out here.

itsmejuli · Nov 4, 2009

Have you contacted the BON directly? Find out what their requirement is for you to write the board exam.

You might be able to find this information on the BON website for your state.

Lynaa4life · Nov 4, 2009

I have investigated this information on the Ohio Board of Nursing website and it states that the information regarding finishing a accredited program needs to be sent directly from the school. They must apply on my behalf. Maybe I'm jumping the gun a little bit but I'm in such a desperate situation I'm willing to do anything at this point. All is not lost, I guess. I still have 2 more chances to take the ERI/ATI exit exam to see if i can make the minimum 63% for my school to endorse me. I guess I just need assistance from someone that has actually tackled this bear of an exam and lived to tell about it. I need to know what study guides are the best for this specific test. I refuse to take it again until I feel confident enough. The questions on this exit exam were like nothing I had encountered my entire year in school. I know both ERI and ATI have comprehensive study programs that you can order online but I need to know which will prepare me the most.

PhillysBelladonna · Nov 4, 2009

I really feel bad for you because Ati is hard. If you don't have the books already, I would suggest to get all of ati books or do the practice test on Atitesting.com. My school actually teaches out of the ati books and I do ok with taking the practice test. The ati books are really good because they get straight and to the point. Only thing is, the books are VERY expensive. The crazy thing is, I was told that the board questions are easier. Good luck:specs:

Lovely_RN, MSN · Nov 4, 2009

Has your school given you any practice codes?

Lynaa4life · Nov 4, 2009

Unfortunately, no. I had never even heard of ERI/ATI until I read the front of the exam booklet. Way to prepare your students! :angryfireOnce I started browsing through this site I became aware that alot of schools use this company year-round to prepare students for the types of questions that they ask but our school doesn't offer that option to their students. There was a end of the year 3-day NCLEX REVIEW that didn't begin to touch the types of questions that were being asked on that exam! I totally breezed through the review and always reviewed using the cds online..I think it was Saunders. The exit exit exam is a completely different animal. I felt like they was more than one answer to the questions and nothing was straightforward but then again, nothing ever is however I felt that the NCLEX questions were straightforward, even the book I have with the new format questions (check all that apply) wasn't as hard to understand. I 'm starting to get the feeling that I am royally screwed. I have a really good job now making more than I would as a new grad nurse but I MISS MY PATIENTS!!!!!

itsmejuli · Nov 4, 2009

Is this test similar to the HESI? I"m guessing it is. If so, have you been studying from Saunders NCLEX book?

If you can't pass the exit exam at school, how will you pass the NCLEX-PN to get your license?

Trauma Columnist · Nov 4, 2009

I think that the practice codes for the ATI exam are copyrighted material and as such, can't be "lent." Can you obtain your own?

Lovely_RN, MSN · Nov 4, 2009

ATI is nothing like the NCLEX so it's silly that schools use it to determine if they will let you sit for the boards. That said you have to pass it in order to reach your goal and the best way to do that is to take the practice exams over and over again.