I have a question regarding the OPT program for working as an LPN as an international student in the US. So I’m currently in 2nd semester of the Nursing program, which I’m eligible to take the NCLEX-PN to be a LPN. I’m trying to do that to get a nursing experience, but I’m not sure how that works for an F-1 student, since I know I might have to apply for the OPT program prior to that.

So my question is can I apply for the OPT right now and work as an LPN? I will still be finishing up my RN and BSN programs, and I know for those you can apply for OPT for sure, I’m just not sure about the LPN. And if I can work as an LPN, would I still be eligible to work as an RN with my OPT after graduation?

I am currently an LVN in California and have been planning to go back to get my RN. I have been curious about the RN 30 unit option. I understand that you would only be able to use your license in California and it would be on your license online but from what I understand is you can still get your AA or bachelors. So why is it so bad? Also I am curious if anyone has taken this course towards their RN and if they had regretted it or if they are working already with the 30 unit.

Never mind, wrong place.

I can appeal the decision through proper channels. All of my grades have been above passing by more than 5% in every term. Should I attempt to appeal, or should I suck it up and retake the course at the same location or try to find another location I can take it at? 

1. I am asking for a friend, does anyone know of any nursing grants or scholarships available for potential  LPN students?
    

"Hello,

For fiscal year 2022/2023, College of the Redwoods graduated at least one 30 unit option student and took the NCLEX-RN. There were two 30 unit option test takers who passed the NCLEX-RN on the first try during that same timeframe.

California Board of Registered Nursing

1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 150

Sacramento, CA  95834"

I'm a first semester LPN student beginning an accelerated program. Not only is the program 12 months long, but the instructors opted to make the course load "front heavy." In other words, placing course material heavily towards the beginning of the semester so that more time can be allocated to clinical later in the semester. I'm honestly struggling to cover enough ground in my studies. Even when I'm able to read the required material, I can't do so in a fashion which I consolidate the content to memory. Please, if anyone has suggestions for strategies for prioritization  success I'm all ears.

I was inclined to challenge the NCLEX-PN because I had finished a fundamentals of Nursing course in a traditional 2 year ADN program and had five years acute care experience as a CNA/Tech. In January 2012, I sent in my application to BVNPT to challenge the NCLEX-PN. I had my manager sign off my work experience form because I had successfully met all criteria in terms of clinical requirements at my hospital over the last five years. The BVNPT requires 48 months paid bedside experience on a Med/Surg floor, and then 6 weeks in pediatrics and 6 weeks in Maternity. I have worked on Med-Surg since being a New-Grad CNA back in '07, and have been cross-trained to float in the Emergency Department and in the OB. If you take care of any patient 17 or under in the Emergency department (or in any setting) they are considered a pediatric patient. Over the past five years, I accumulated all of that, and in my first semester of Nursing school in the ADN program, I took a separate pharmacology course as part of the program. I sent in a signed work experience form by my supervisor sealed in an envelope with our hospitals stamp on it, and I sent in an official transcript from my University to meet the pharmacology requirement.

In addition, I had to pay to have my live scan done and had that completed(and send in a copy of the completed livescan form to the Board with my application), I sent in a passport photo and a check for $150. The BVNPT cashed my check three weeks later and Exactly 16 weeks from the day I applied, I received an envelope in the mail approving my application and directing me to register with pearson vue and pay the additional $200 to them in order to receive my ATT (authorization to test). I immediately did so online, and received my ATT via email moments later. I scheduled my NCLEX in San Francisco online via the pearson website, and set the date for July 21, 2012, giving me two months to prepare. I did the ATI NCLEX review course online, and did tons of Saunders practice questions. I went in feeling very nervous and took the test and it shut off at 85 questions (the minimum amount). To date(three days later) I have not yet received my official results, however I do get this message when trying to re-register:"Our records indicate that you have recently scheduled this exam. Please contact your Member Board for further assistance. Another registration cannot be made at this time."

I have read multiple people's testimonies online regarding challenging the LVN boards based on work experience. I have heard things such as they think it is "unsafe", "ridiculous", and the list goes on. I would just like to say that I would feel much more confident working with a new LVN that has had the five years experience that I carry and has seen what I have seen, over a new-grad LVN. I am not trying to toot my horn, but the Board does not just hand over an LVN license to any incompetent person. If you have the experience, and you can actually pass the NCLEX, then I believe that one is ready to start out as a new LVN. The NCLEX is designed to determine the level of Safety of the applicant, and I know multiple graduates of an Accredited LVN program who have failed the test more than once. And these people are all, for lack of a better term, clinically incompetent individuals as CNAs, so it doesn't surprise me that they have failed a test that requires critical thinking.

I worked very hard to learn this material and to pass this test, and I am happy that California offers this to applicants. In May 2013, I'll be finished with my ADN and ready to take my NCLEX-RN, and believe that I am that much more prepared by achieving the LVN license. Next, I will have to pay another $150 to the BVNPT as an inital license fee, for a total of $600 between the application fee, the NCSBN NCLEX-PN registration fee, and initial license fee. All I can tell people is that if you think that you have the background, get it signed off and mail it in and do it. I did, I took the risk not knowing ANYONE who had done this, and here is where it has gotten me. If you have any questions on how to achieve your LVN license this method, I am very knowledgeable and prepared to answer any questions.

The issue I'm having is apparently the classes are only 3 weeks long!  Unfortunately this was not made clear during the application process and I didn't think to ask since I've been in nursing school before. I'm used to classes being spread out over a few months. 

It's a lot of information to absorb in that short of a time. Has anyone done a program like this before? Any tips or tricks to be successful? Super nervous and put all my eggs in one basket on this one. 

I will be relocating from Michigan and starting my LPN program at NCI Willoughby Eastlake (OHIO) in August of 2017.... just wondering if anyone else is starting there also :)

Also please feel free to leave comments if you have previously attended this school.

The cost is around $12k and program length is 9months.

If one of the approved-only schools near me were an option it would be perfect, but I just don't know if it will bite me in the *** later ?

Pennyspinelli@gmail.com