LPN Nclex while in a RN program

austin heart, BSN, RN · May 26, 2005

I took the LVN boards while in the RN program and then worked as an LVN while finishing up school. More money than my CNA position :).

Sorry, I did not study though. I just went in and took it. Passed the first time with minumum number of questions. Good Luck, I am sure you will do fine!

michw2 · May 27, 2005

I took the LVN boards while in the RN program and then worked as an LVN while finishing up school. More money than my CNA position :).
Sorry, I did not study though. I just went in and took it. Passed the first time with minumum number of questions. Good Luck, I am sure you will do fine!

What kind of grades did you get in school. I just want to be ready.

andre · May 27, 2005

I took the LVN boards while in the RN program and then worked as an LVN while finishing up school. More money than my CNA position :).
Sorry, I did not study though. I just went in and took it. Passed the first time with minumum number of questions. Good Luck, I am sure you will do fine!

Ditto for me. I just went and took it, and passed with the minimum # of questions.

austin heart, BSN, RN · May 27, 2005

What kind of grades did you get in school. I just want to be ready.

Mostly Bs and a few Cs. I hated Pedi and OB so that is where I got the Cs, LOL.

michw2 · May 27, 2005

Thanks you guys that makes me feel better. I guess every one feels that way before Nclex

michw2 · May 29, 2005

Anyone else have any input

suzanne4, RN · May 29, 2005

Unless you are going to get a significant increase in salary, I wouldn't waste the time or the money. It will cost you about $400 before you are done. With the new preceptor programs for nursing students or externships, you will be learning quite a bit, and this will help more with your practice as an RN.

And in most facilities, the rates of pay are quite similar..........

SissyLyn · Jun 9, 2005

Hi!

I am currently in an RN program and I have been a CNA for 6 yrs, and became a PCT in January...I am continuously surrounded by the constant battle and controversy of the NURSE EXTERN vrs the LPN..it's really a matter of opinion..I was encouraged by my teachers to go for it, but was told that for me it would be easier because of the many transitions I had been through in the health care field, my clinical instructor from this last block, block 2 said I did wonderful in seperating my nursing role from my PCT role..

Also, most extern programs do not allow you to pass meds, for me I want as much experience with that as possible, I know I will be looking up meds for a long time, but if I practice for a year before I am an RN, I am hoping to have a heads up in that aspect of my duties..

I am also very fortunate that I am with a hospital on a PCCU (progressive coronary care unit) that will employ me as an LPN, because I am in an RN program...I will keep my current schedule and shift...my preceptors and RN's are very excited to "teach me" and all advised my manager that they thought this would be a great idea...maybe it won't be the best..but I am taking the gamble....I know in the first block forgetting what I saw and practiced was very hard...becaue alot of times that is not the way it is supposed to be done, but at the same time it was a great learning and is still a fabulous growth and realization process..

You will know what is for you...trust your heart and your gut!!

Also, the externships I looked at (at least 7 places) wanted a contract that I would stay with them for x amount of time after I obtained my RN...for me that was not happening.....I want to be free to do what grabs me when I graduate...I have not seen enough yet to commit to any one specialty..

Like I said, trust your heart and soul...it will tell you what to do!

I am waiting for a test date for my LPN now, certificate was sent out yesterday....I can't wait!

Good luck!!

michw2 · Jun 9, 2005

Hi Sisslyn

Thank you for your replay I finally got my ATT . I am scheduled to take the Nclex PN July 6 at 3:30pm. I work as an Nurse Partner on an OB floor right now. I haven't talked with them yet. i am waiting to see how the test goes before I do if I can't stay their as an LPN I will graduate in Dec with my RN if everything goes right. If they won't let me stay their I will go back to Med Surg thats were I was before OB. I too worked on a Cardiac Floor. Thanks for the replay keep me posted on your test date. Thanks Michele

michw2 · Jun 24, 2005

Unless you are going to get a significant increase in salary, I wouldn't waste the time or the money. It will cost you about $400 before you are done. With the new preceptor programs for nursing students or externships, you will be learning quite a bit, and this will help more with your practice as an RN.
And in most facilities, the rates of pay are quite similar..........

I just wanted to let you know why I am taking the PN I didn't pass the first semester of nursing school. I have since past every test and course. So I am taking the test just to fall back on in case I don't pass process IV. I know it is a lot on money. I took a practice test that had 100 questions over everything I got a 72% without reviewing any content do you think that is good. I take the test 7-6.

MIA-RN1, RN · Jun 26, 2005

I am debating taking the PN exam as well. it sounds like those that responded didn't have to study too much. How do the questions differ between RN and LPN? I have been reviewing NCLEX RN test quesitons and am a year from graduating. After the fall semester, I will be eligible to take the PN exam. I want to do it more just for personal reasons than an increase in pay, although it WILL help at my current job. (I really want to be able to say that I am a nurse asap!)