RN student doing LPN

Kimmi73 · May 21, 2007

hi i'm a newbie and i'm taking the nclex pn on friday and like everyone i'm nervous as heck. i began nursing school in a ADN program and clincally failed 2 months before graduation . i don't have a job right now, and i took advantage of the option in new york for RN students to take the PN boards, so i could work over the summer and gain some nursing experience so i'll be prepared in the fall. i'm wondering, when i get a job interview, will they look at my resume and think "hmm she's an LPN, but is still in RN school.." and ask me what happened to me in RN school? i hope not bc till this day it just makes me upset everytime i think about it and i usually cry. also, in terms of references, can i get references from my RN instructors?
thanks for your time!

You know I may not be able to give much advice, as I'mjust starting nursing school myself. However I wanted to lend some support and say that my school offers a "career ladder" program, in which after the first year you can sit for LPN boards. Then complete 1 more year and take RN boards. So with that being said, I doubt a future employer will question you being an LPN and in RN school. I would think this is the majority of what students do, work as an LPN and finish RN. Regardless things happen, (were only human) and the main thing is you finish your RN. You still attained the ultimate goal, and looking forward none of the past will matter. Good Luck and *hugs* This is a tough time and trust me I've had my low times too.

asquared · May 21, 2007

Hi there! I too are a newbie here. I'm also in the same boat as you. I was in nursing school for my RN but failed my last class and unable to graduate as an RN. I just took my LPN boards this past friday and found out yesterday that I passed. My advice in taking the boards is try to be calm (easier said than done) but that help me alot. Also try to just do the questions as they come (i tried not to pay so much attention to what number I was at). I just checked my time and paced myself. Good luck and let me know how you did.

pagandeva2000, LPN · May 22, 2007

I really don't think that it would be an issue that you are an RN student that is seeking a position as an LPN. As previously stated, many people have done this in the past. Also, at least you did acquire one of your nursing licenses and can gain the experience. In terms of getting letters from your instructors, that is a hard call. Each school has different policies. My school did not allow their instructors to give letters of recommendation. What you should think of is this; if an instructor chose to fail you, do you think it is wise to ask for one, or are there previous clinical instructors that may not mind that you need a letter from them? Get a few letters from other sources for character references as well, such as from your clergyman (if that applies), friends and neighbors. I got one letter from a client I cared for as a nursing student. Stays in my portfolio all the time. Good luck!

hikernurse · May 23, 2007

I worked as an LPN my last year of nursing school. It was a great experience and the assumption is that you are working as an LPN to pay your way through RN school. Don't worry about it, sweetie. You'll do fine :)

As far as instructor references, that would depend on your school's policy. As long as we signed a release, our instructors were happy to do so. Just ask your school.

nursiemellie · May 23, 2007

ahh i take the lpn boards in 2 days.. tomorrow i'm going to try and relax like everyone else has been doing. i can't wait! i want to get it over with and i know that i've reviewed the best i could have. thanks for your replys!

in my school, if we got written up in clinical 3 times, then you fail clinically, which is what happened to me. 2/3 profs i really didn't have a problem with, even though they did write me up. i'm still wondering if i would be able to ask them for a recommendation. i don't know the school's policy, but i'm going to email them and ask them if they could write me one. hopefully they will!

as soon as i find out the results, i'll let you all know. thanks a lot!

wish me luck, and pray for meeee!

:monkeydance: :clown: :specs:

nursiemellie · May 27, 2007

I PASSED MY LPN TEST!!! woot woot!!!

nitra12000 · May 28, 2007

Congrats!!! :balloons: I too just recently(last week) passed my NCLEX for LPN. I am also going into my last semester in August for my RN---- a 6 semester program, what was I thinking!!!! Anyway, Have you came across any employers in NY that are hiring new grads or are you planning to work elsewhere?

nursiemellie · May 28, 2007

woo hoo! congrats to you too!!! :balloons:

no i haven't really looked at any employers yet. i keep looking online but all i find are agencies and MD offices. i would love to work hospital, but really there aren't many choices or positions. my mom is an LPN and she works in LTC so she might hook me up with a job there. my other RN classmate who recently graduated is also an LPN and she said that she could get me a job at her LTC facility too. wow 6 semesters! kudos to you hehe. yeah i only have 3 months left starting september for my RN and i can't wait. i hope being an LPN really does help me excel during nursing school!