NCLEX-RN/PN? Or move to another state?

[Derine]

Hi, I'm Derine and like most of you, I am also having a hard time dealing with the application for NCLEX-RN here in California. I just came back here in US after finishing BS Nursing in the Philippines. I also took the NLE last May and luckily, I passed on my first time. It's very frustrating because a lot of my school mates are also staying here in California and almost all of them are facing some challenges due to the requirements that the CA BON is asking.

The situation is, I am about to file my application form for NCLEX RN but my friends are telling me that I will also face the problems they have right now. So there advice is to move to another state, the problem is that all of my family and relatives are here in cali. One of the classmate told me to take the NCLEX PN first because it's much easier compared to NCLEX-RN. I am really frustrated right now and I don't know what to do. I hope you guys can help me. Any response will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)

[sis_cuz]

Yeah. I suggest you take up the LVN route if you're going to stay here in Cali. That's what I'm actually trying to do right now, as I've been rejected my the BON for my NCLEX-RN application.

[Derine]

Thanks for your response. It's really frustrating because we can't take the nclex-rn here in california. Yes, I am considering the LVN route because I think that's the easiest way for us to have a license and work here. Do you have plans of moving to a different state sis_cuz?

[steppybay]

Kababayans, just remember that the LVN-RN route is one option, but just know that to get into those programs in CA are pretty competitive (many with years on a waiting list), many require a year's of nursing experience to even be considered for admittance. So start looking into those schools and programs TODAY, as you know, CA BRN gives everyone three (3) years to complete your entire deficiencies from your initial CA BRN application date.

The clock is now ticking faster than you know and if you're unable to finish the taking of the deficiencies, your application will be "abandoned" and not only do you lose the application fees, but you'll have to re-start the whole application again with brand new transcripts and another non-refundable application AND have to meet any new and updated CA BRN requirements if they do implement any.

Don't worry, you'll be in the same situation with about 10,000 plus stranded and frustrated PH applicants alone in CA. Don't count on the CA BRN to bother changing the rules or offering any assistance with the high unemployment rate of just the CA new grads alone and even for the more experienced nurses.

Btw, you can "thank" the CHED, PRC and PNA for dropping the ball. Then, add in fraudulent applications that have gotten the attention of the CA BRN of which some have recently been sent to jail, where they rightfully belong. CA BRN is merely enforcing the concurrency rules established since 1987 and was more strictly enforced in Nov. 2011.

[Derine]

Thanks for your response @steppybay :) yeah, It's really difficult to apply for nclex especially here in california. All of my friends are moving to a different state. Hope we'll all have the chance to take the exam and become registered nurses.

[sis_cuz]

Thanks for your response. It's really frustrating because we can't take the nclex-rn here in california. Yes, I am considering the LVN route because I think that's the easiest way for us to have a license and work here. Do you have plans of moving to a different state sis_cuz?

Yes, I do actually. It's my plan B if the LVN route does not work for me. If you move to a different state and become an RN there, and try to endorse your license in Cali, it would still be difficult as it is stricter here. At least that's what I've heard. Where are you in Cali, by the way?

[Derine]

I live in San Francisco. How about you? Moving to Oregon or Florida is my plan B. I hope plan A works (LVN route) :)

[steppybay]

Yes, I do actually. It's my plan B if the LVN route does not work for me. If you move to a different state and become an RN there, and try to endorse your license in Cali, it would still be difficult as it is stricter here. At least that's what I've heard. Where are you in Cali, by the way?

Wasting your time to wait for the "endorsement process" and waste your money doing so......why? As you will read many of many ahead of your thoughts have done the same and still getting denied as one must still pass thru the CA BRN with the exact same requirements that rejected their application in the first place.

To go thru the endorsement, you're actually going thru the same requirements as being a first-time applicant.

Tick, tick, tick, the same 3 year clock is still running, so it's better to meet and re-take the deficiencies courses (not going to be easy, but not impossible, if you are hard driving and helps to have some $$), there's other foreign applicants outside of us from Phils such as China, Canada, UK, India, Russia, Nepal, several European countries, etc.

That's who you'll be your classmates in a classroom usually from you being the only one amongst the regular CA enrolled nursing students or those from some of the countries I mentioned, class size may be as small as 12 up to 30 students.

Many have been or were on waiting list up to 3-4 years long, but there's been some more lucky ones who got in when they were number 98 or so and it may be many drop out due to the wait, don't meet the CA schools minimum testings or exams (English and or math scores too low) or in many cases, it's just too $$$$ (up to $14,000 - $17,000 or more).

I suggest you guys look at several good threads here on the CA plight, some are covered very well, but I think this author really sums it up the best, click on below:

In a nutshell, read this: https://allnurses.com/international-nursing/end-phillipine-nursing-885162.html

There's no nursing shortage, just a job shortage.