LPN/RN question

Nurses General Nursing

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Ok, I've searched the web and done a fair amount of reading on here. I truly don't know where to post this because I'm kind of a pre-nursing student, but I need input from current nurses. Bear with me please!! I graduated with my ADN back in 2004. Truthfully, I never should have graduated. I'm one of those folks that slipped through the cracks somehow. I was fresh out of high school and newly married and thought it would be as easy as high school, WRONG! I had no previous CNA experience, so I didn't have a clue what I was getting myself into. I failed the NCLEX twice and pretty much gave up after that. From what I had found, NC required a license to take a refresher course, and I am not a "sit down with a book and learn it yourself" kind of person. I need a class, with instructors, and listening and so on. I kept on working as a CNA (in both hospital and long term care facilities) and had two kids.

Fast forward to 2013, I was tired of feeling like a failure and decided that I wanted to get my life back on track. My head and heart are in the right place now and I know exactly what I want. Knowing that I needed the education all over again, I decided to apply to another ADN program because 1) BSN program is too far away right now 2) cost. I applied for that and the LPN. I got alternate for both, and was just offered a spot in the LPN program. Now, my goal is to gain as much knowledge as possible so I can pass the NCLEX-RN and take a refresher course. I have a few days to answer for the LPN spot because the ADN calls have not all been made yet. I am fully aware that the PN and RN NCLEXes cover different scopes of nursing, but in your opinions, would the LPN course help jog my memory and get me close to, or ready for, the NCLEX-RN? Things may have changed, but last I saw there was no time limit to take it in NC. I guess I ought to look into that as well!

I failed NCLEX RN twice, that's why nothing in all these years. I'm just trying to get knowledge where I can to help me pass the NCLEX RN to get the RN license to take the RN refresher. I'm ashamed of the stupid situation I put myself into. I wasted a great opportunity.

My head is in too many places right now!

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Specializes in critical care.
I failed NCLEX RN twice, that's why nothing in all these years. I'm just trying to get knowledge where I can to help me pass the NCLEX RN to get the RN license to take the RN refresher. I'm ashamed of the stupid situation I put myself into. I wasted a great opportunity.

My head is in too many places right now!

We all do silly things, love. I hope you find a path that steers you right. Good luck to you! And be sure to update. I'm curious to know what you do ultimately decide to do.

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Specializes in TCU, Post-surgical, Infection Prevention.
I don't think there are any online BSN programs that don't require an RN, are there?

There are. CSUDH has an RN-BSN program, the OP would just need to get it cracking and study hard with that tutor (as another posted suggested) to pass the nclex within 3 months of starting. Since the application period is over until fall, OP could apply, get accepted and probably have to pass by this time next year.

How do I know? I am accepted into aforementioned program and will not finish my ADN until December 2015.

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Specializes in TCU, Post-surgical, Infection Prevention.
I don't know of any online BSN programs that take non RNs. OP's courses are 11 years old, I doubt they would transfer...

CSUDH (Cal State Dominguez Hills) does.

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You say that you can not teach yourself anything, but the truth is that you could, if you pushed yourself to do so. Get a book or two, or a program, and get with it. The thing about the NCLEX-RN, is that if your state allows multiple retakes, you just take the test until you pass it. Period. Then you worry about learning RN skills on your first job. Which you would have had to do even if you passed NCLEX the first time. Make up your mind that you are going to pass that exam and then do it. You are the one to make this decision.

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Specializes in Pedi.
There are. CSUDH has an RN-BSN program, the OP would just need to get it cracking and study hard with that tutor (as another posted suggested) to pass the nclex within 3 months of starting. Since the application period is over until fall, OP could apply, get accepted and probably have to pass by this time next year.

How do I know? I am accepted into aforementioned program and will not finish my ADN until December 2015.

This program's website specifically says it's for registered nurses. In the admission requirements section, it says you either must have an RN license or provide transcripts showing you are near the end of a program. OP is in neither of those situations, she has an ADN degree from 11 years ago.

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How many nursing specific EBP items have possibly changed since the OP has learned it? I might think you'd have to run it all over again

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I suggest its time to cut your losses and start form the beginning. I recommend enrolling in a BSN program at a local public university even if the commute is inconvenient. An ADN program at a local community college is your next best option but I would really like to discourage you from going the LPN route. You will really limit yourself by becoming an LPN. A BSN is absolutely within your reach now that you have had the chance to gain maturity and mental focus. Good luck.

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Specializes in NICU.

I am confused. You keep saying that NC requires a license to take a refresher course. NC BON allows unlimited attempts for NCLEX. Are you referring to refresher courses for inactive nurses (nurses that have allowed their license to expire)? I would contact the BON and see what they require. I would get a Saunders NCLEX prep book and maybe take a Kaplan or Hurst classroom prep class instead of retaking a ASN program or LPN program.

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I can't take a refresher course, NC requires a license, and same thing for the online BSN. You have to have a license. I'm not sure where to begin looking for a tutor, but I doubt I could afford it. I really need to start over from scratch. I'm trying to see if the LPN course would help me get back a fair amount of the info I forgot or never really learned, so I can get the license, then take the refresher course that requires the license. I'm aiming for a bachelors, eventually, but I'm stuck in this spot right now.

You have already obtained a degree. Go to your local community college and/or state school and speak with their guidance counselor. Ask for any and all routes they can advise you on for your future.

For the same amount of money and time, you could re-take parts of your nursing courses. You could find that some online schools will take into consideration (as well as hybrid programs) all of your general ed courses, and you may find yourself nursing courses away from getting your BSN.

But you have to ask. And the person to talk to is an academic advisor/guidance counselor at the colleges in your area.

I spent well over 10 grand and 18 months on an LPN. For a little more time, it would have been in my best interest to get an ADN, however, now BSN is preferred, and in some facilities mandatory.

An LPN course will get you an LPN license, but will not prepare you to take the NCEX-RN. What it will do is allow you to "bridge" but that is a lot of time, money, and such better spent on getting a bachelors.

Here's a weird thought, but I will throw it out there anyways--can you complete a bachelor's degree in anything else--say business (which a lot of facilities really like anyways) then take an accelerated BSN for people who have bachelor's degrees in other fields?

I would make an appointment today to speak with someone. You should not waste that associate's degree. Make it into something. Get every idea, pathway, thought process you can from someone who knows from a college near you.

Best wishes!

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We all do silly things, love. I hope you find a path that steers you right. Good luck to you! And be sure to update. I'm curious to know what you do ultimately decide to do.

I will do my best to stay on the boards as things progress. Thanks!

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I am confused. You keep saying that NC requires a license to take a refresher course. NC BON allows unlimited attempts for NCLEX. Are you referring to refresher courses for inactive nurses (nurses that have allowed their license to expire)? I would contact the BON and see what they require. I would get a Saunders NCLEX prep book and maybe take a Kaplan or Hurst classroom prep class instead of retaking a ASN program or LPN program.

Yes, the refresher course for inactive nurses. Everyone that knows my situation seems to think I can just take a refresher course, but I can't for that reason. I did contact the BON years ago, and another local CC to see if I could audit some of the classes. I know my OP is confusing, sorry, I have to explain it out to everyone I mention it to.

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