Not about exams

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 — 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 — 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!! :)