NCLEX RN vs NCLEX PN

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[color=#333333]what is the difference between rn and pn?..which is easier?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Neither. The tests are different based upon the different education and scope of practice of a registered nurse vs. that of a practical/vocational nurse. While there is some cross over (basics/fundamentals of patient care) the knowledge base is different hence why many states you cannot sit for the NCLEX-PN unless you are a graduate of a school of practical nursing.

Those I know who have taken both the NCLEX-PN then a year or so later completed a LPN to RN bridge program said that both tests were similar in difficulty.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

In my experience: I finish the NCLEX-PN with the minimum amount of questions Was really uncertain of how I'd done, but the examiner told me in his experience that was a good sign, which it turned out to be.

Jump ahead 2 years: Answered more than 200 questions on my NCLEX-RN exam and felt horrible when I left that room! The examiner told me to try not to worry---she'd seen people fail it in 75 and pass it in 265, try to keep my chin up. And I went right out to my car and burst into tears, LOL. I got the good popup and had indeed passed on the first try again.

They are BOTH hard exams, the content is different and what you need to know is different. Lots of prioritizing (you need a bed, who are you sending home?)type of questions and far too many SATA's for my liking! I had NO math on my RN exam and a BUTTLOAD of Celiac disease questions.

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I took the PN in 2009 and had a ton of pharm and other stuff I had never heard of. I got 85 questions and passed (85 is the minimum for PN), which was a miracle, since I know for a fact that I got all of the dosing questions wrong (and there seemed lie a lot of them). I was using 3.2 to convert pounds to kg instead of 2.2- needless to say, I will never make that mistake again, lol. I also had a question about maple syrup urine disease, whatever that is, lol.

I took the RN this past Saturday, and again got the minimum, and passed (75 on this one). I had only 2 dosing questions, and a BOATLOAD of SATA questions, which I really hate! lots of prioritizing, and delegation, only 1 alt format question. A few pharm questions too.

The PN exam was just as hard for me at the time I took it as the RN was for me this time. It's meant to be hard, but it's also meant for 2 different career paths. one is for an LPN, and one is for an RN. You wouldn't want to go all the way through the RN program at school and then sit for the PN boards (if it's even allowed)- that would be a waste of half of your education.

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In my experience: I finish the NCLEX-PN with the minimum amount of questions Was really uncertain of how I'd done, but the examiner told me in his experience that was a good sign, which it turned out to be.

Jump ahead 2 years: Answered more than 200 questions on my NCLEX-RN exam and felt horrible when I left that room! The examiner told me to try not to worry---she'd seen people fail it in 75 and pass it in 265, try to keep my chin up. And I went right out to my car and burst into tears, LOL. I got the good popup and had indeed passed on the first try again.

They are BOTH hard exams, the content is different and what you need to know is different. Lots of prioritizing (you need a bed, who are you sending home?)type of questions and far too many SATA's for my liking! I had NO math on my RN exam and a BUTTLOAD of Celiac disease questions.

so u have two licenses now?..:yeah:
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I took the PN in 2009 and had a ton of pharm and other stuff I had never heard of. I got 85 questions and passed (85 is the minimum for PN), which was a miracle, since I know for a fact that I got all of the dosing questions wrong (and there seemed lie a lot of them). I was using 3.2 to convert pounds to kg instead of 2.2- needless to say, I will never make that mistake again, lol. I also had a question about maple syrup urine disease, whatever that is, lol.

I took the RN this past Saturday, and again got the minimum, and passed (75 on this one). I had only 2 dosing questions, and a BOATLOAD of SATA questions, which I really hate! lots of prioritizing, and delegation, only 1 alt format question. A few pharm questions too.

The PN exam was just as hard for me at the time I took it as the RN was for me this time. It's meant to be hard, but it's also meant for 2 different career paths. one is for an LPN, and one is for an RN. You wouldn't want to go all the way through the RN program at school and then sit for the PN boards (if it's even allowed)- that would be a waste of half of your education.

really...u have 2 licenses..?
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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Some states permit you to keep your LPN license when you bridge onto RN (NJ is one, so if you pay the renewal fees and keep up on continuing education yes you may be dually licensed as both an LPN and an RN. However you are always held to the standard of your higher license). Others states (I think Connecticut is one) automatically 'cancel' out your LPN license once you pass a license of a higher level (RN) as you are always held to your highest degree of license. Some people keep both if permitted, others let their LPN lapse once licensed as a RN.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I did my ADN degree part-time nights/weekends while working fulltime. I was eligble to sit for the LPN exam at the halfway point, which I did. In my State, the LPN licenses expire every 2 years in February. I renewed my LPN license even though I wasn't using it and was graduating with my RN in May.

In July, after graduation, I sat for the NCLEX RN and passed that, so my RN license trumped my LPN license, I was never "doublely" licensed as an LPN and an RN.

Hopefully this cleared things up for you....

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I stand corrected. I just looked myself up on my states licensing website and I am currently licensed as an LPN AND an RN. Since I paid both fees, both are current!!

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As for me NCLEX-RN is quite more complicated. NCLEX-PN has a lot of questions based on common sense. NCLEX-RN got a lot more specific questions.

You can try out practice exams yourself. Those are much smaller then actual exam, but give some insight on questions you will get in actual exam.

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Specializes in Neonatal and Pediatric ICU Nurse.

Yes, you can dual license if your state allows it. I will be dual licensing, because I busted my butt to earn both :)

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any recent nclex pn takers

with tips in pennsylvania

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