Not about exams

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 8, 2015

I'm in the process of doing FCCA. Obviously I don't know when I'll be taking the CPNE, graduation and NCLEX. I'm applying for a new job...do I tell them I'm perusing my RN? I just don't know how to answer 'when will you be done?'

I remember that pain â€” I was an ER tech, and my bosses wanted to hire me when I finished school with EC. I was able to give them a vague idea once I got my CPNE date, and that was assuming that I would pass the first time! (I did).

I would estimate six months after your CPNE application is submitted, worst case. Then give them 6 weeks to process you for graduation, another couple of weeks for NCLEX scheduling and testing. Those dates will also change depending on your state â€” some states make graduate nurses wait until their grad date has passed before taking boards, others just require you to know your grad date. My schedule was this: applied for CPNE on November 7, received my date on April 4. My CPNE dates were June 13-15. I was processed for graduation by July 9th (which is when EC sent my transcripts to my BON, I had already applied for licensure by exam) and I had my NCLEX ATT and my RN-Applicant (RNA) license from Virginia on July 17th. Took the NCLEX-RN on August 6, and my license was in the system on August 8.

Like I said, some states are different, but hopefully that gives you a rough idea of timeline. I applied in November with a CPNE-ready date of May 31. The CPNE wait was looooong then, it expands and contracts. Lol. I wasn't calling for cancellation dates and I had restricted my sites to just one location (because I could drive there), so I was prepared to wait. You may have a shorter wait time if you are aggressive with pursuing cancellation dates.

With all that being said, you have some time before you would graduate! I probably wouldn't emphasize it to an interviewer. If they ask, you can tell them it's a self-paced bridge with about a year left.

Good luck!! :)

JustNursn · Jun 8, 2015

Thanks Pixie.RN!!!

Nalon1 RN/EMT-P, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2015

I remember that pain â€” I was an ER tech, and my bosses wanted to hire me when I finished school with EC. I was able to give them a vague idea once I got my CPNE date, and that was assuming that I would pass the first time! (I did).
I would estimate six months after your CPNE application is submitted, worst case. Then give them 6 weeks to process you for graduation, another couple of weeks for NCLEX scheduling and testing. Those dates will also change depending on your state â€” some states make graduate nurses wait until their grad date has passed before taking boards, others just require you to know your grad date. My schedule was this: applied for CPNE on November 7, received my date on April 4. My CPNE dates were June 13-15. I was processed for graduation by July 9th (which is when EC sent my transcripts to my BON, I had already applied for licensure by exam) and I had my NCLEX ATT and my RN-Applicant (RNA) license from Virginia on July 17th. Took the NCLEX-RN on August 6, and my license was in the system on August 8.
...

Sounds very similar to my experience (down to being an ER tech).

Finished the FCCA end of November, all paperwork turned in first week of December, got a CPNE date at the end of March but did not think I was ready, rescheduled for end of May, Graduation date of Mid July, NCLEX 13 August. I could have been done a little earlier if I had done my original CPNE date, but just was not ready then.

Biggest issue now is the CPNE wait times, have heard 6-8 months now depending on where you go.

I would tell them your perusing your RN and should be done in about a year.