Need CA RN history lesson :)

[StephieRN_1216]

Hello! I could use some help, hoping there are some CA nurses on here that either know the answer to this question or can point me to the person that does.

Is it a true statement that in 1984, someone could sit for NCLEX without any nursing education? There is a nurse claiming that she did not go to nursing school, and took boards "back when you could just walk in and take it because they were so desperate".

I'm having a hard time believing this for several reasons...

A. My grandmother was an LVN in CA and my mom distinctly remembers helping her through school back in 1970's.... doubtful that she did that for fun, plus if no school was required I'm assuming she would've chosen to take RN why stop at LVN?

B. The only distinct info I can find is that in 1978 CA started requiring CEU's for licensure renewal.... Seems odd they would require education to renew but not for the original license.

C. This persons name is not coming up with any matches in the CA licensure database... But I tested it with my grandmothers name and it didn't show her either so I'm not sure how accurstevit is or what's going on with that.

I called the CA board of nursing but got transferred a couple times and no one seemed to have a concrete answer or regulation to reference. They were very nice, just not very informative. I was told to call the National Council of State something or other.... Left a message but never heard back.

If anyone has information or can point me to a website or person that has it... Would greatly appreciate it!!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

A person can still become an LVN in California without having ever attended any type of nursing program. It is commonly referred to as 'challenging the boards.'

A person can challenge the boards to become an LVN in California if they complete methods #3 or #4 on the BVNPT website page. Click on the link below and scroll to the section that says 'Methods of entry-level access as a vocational nurse.'

BVNPT - Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)

In order to become an RN in California, a person must complete an approved program of nursing. There has never been any way around this requirement.

[itsthegreeneyes]

Its possible that this person is or was an LVN which is overseen by a different agency in california the BVNPT so this may explain why you could not verify their license or your grandmmother's (plus it would have to be an active license) if you were not contacting right people. RNs are overseen by the BRN. Last I heard you could still challenge the boards for LVNs with some verified experience in the medican field in such as CNA and taking a couple courses (i.e.- pharmacology).