LVN(91c grad)applying to challenge NCLEX RN

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Aug 6, 2007

i don't think any state will allow you to challenge the nclex rn ....

...is this possible? i just recieved my application in the mail and i am also new to this site. before i send in my non refundable payment i wanted to know if anyone knows wether or not they accept the us army 91c school or will i just have to apply to lvn to rn bridge program here in california?
i've been a lvn for 15yrs, but the past 6yrs i have been a stay at home mom. since i let my license expire(did not think i would return to nsg burnt out)i had to sit for the nclex pn again and luckily passed. in any case i'm finding it a bit challenging re-entering the work force while i have been out so long. although i have a lot of expierence, acute, out patient, etc...i am at the high end of the pay scale because of expierence 9yrs(not counting 6yrs at home)and am not getting worthwhile offers. i thought if i could challenge the rn boards i would be more marketable with the lvn background...any advice or thoughts are welcomed.thanks!

dazy777 · Aug 6, 2007

...darn!thanks for the heads up...

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Aug 7, 2007

no you have to go through school LPN to RN bridge. are you going back to school? good luck and please keep us posted.

bethany R.N.

nursn4me · Aug 9, 2007

I thought I read somewhere that California will let lpn's challenge the rn nclex exam? She did say she just received the papers in the mail correct? What are the papers for? Maybe I read this wrong!?

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Aug 9, 2007

i heard that also.. but i asked a friend of mine in calif.. he's never heard of it..

dazy777 · Aug 9, 2007

I'm sorry my post may have been unclear. I received my application for exam by the california state board of Registered Nursing. The area that lists qualifications is vague wether or not that acccept military schools and they suggest reaserch prior to sending the app. and fees because the money is non refundable....

Since this post I went ahead and checked out some of the LVN 30 unit option/LVN to RN bridge programs. I found out if I go this route my license is only good in California and the courses are non transferable toward a ASN or BSN program(later)...

I am leaning toward the Indiana State University LVN-BSN program, in fact, I think may go ahead and sign on....any thoughts or opinions again are welcome...You all are a great resource, thank you!

deleern · Aug 9, 2007

If I were in your shoes I would Call the CA BON.... Key word being Non refundable.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Aug 9, 2007

It would be interesting to see the outcome of this, because I never heard of an LPN being able to challenge an NCLEX-RN; but again, I was blown when I heard that in California, a CNA can challenge NCLEX PN with some odd years of experience and a pharmacology course (there may be other requirements, but I forgot) so, go figure. Good luck with whatever you choose.

nursn4me · Aug 9, 2007

I'm sorry my post may have been unclear. I received my application for exam by the california state board of Registered Nursing. The area that lists qualifications is vague wether or not that acccept military schools and they suggest reaserch prior to sending the app. and fees because the money is non refundable....
Since this post I went ahead and checked out some of the LVN 30 unit option/LVN to RN bridge programs. I found out if I go this route my license is only good in California and the courses are non transferable toward a ASN or BSN program(later)...
I am leaning toward the Indiana State University LVN-BSN program, in fact, I think may go ahead and sign on....any thoughts or opinions again are welcome...You all are a great resource, thank you!

I am glad that you verified the information about challenging the rn exam in California. I briefly remember hearing the same thing that you would only be able to work in California if you went that route do to other states not allowing anyone to challenge the exam without having completed the approved program.

I heard that Indiana State University LVN-BSN has a very good program. I definitely think it would be a better choice for you especially if you ever decide to relocate or even further your education. Good luck!!

ImStillStanding · Jan 18, 2009

good luck dazy777, i wrote california to challenge the boards, and i got a real nasty letter back. i did not pay it any attention. when i went to nursing school to be a lvn in california they closed it down after we finished the program. our names were put on a blacklist to inform other states not to let us take the lvn/lpn exams. 1989. but i some of us prayed about it, and one state let me take the exam, if i would go to a review and i did. i passed the first time. there are hospitals now that have a severe shortage of nurses, however they are not hiring lvn/lpn. the ones that do hire lvn/lpns are requiring them to do rn work with lpn/lvn pay. lvn/lpn need to be aware of this practice. if we work as rns, then we need to be paid as rns and the state(s) need to let lpn/lvns challenge the board. some hospitals are not even hiring lvns/lpns anymore so a couple of lvn/lpns took their denial letters to the unemployment office. there is are several hospitals near me and one in walking distance, yet everytime i go they claim they are not hiring lvns, yet i see about 20-30 job openings for rns, and about 2 for lvn.

i still plan to finish a rn within the next year.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2009

CNAs in California can challenge the board to become LVNs.

However, LVNs/LPNs cannot challenge the board to become an RN anywhere in the U.S. If an LPN/LVN wishes to become an RN, he/she must complete a state-approved bridge program and pass the NCLEX-RN.