Should LVN Challenge RN boards?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

 

Yes, a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in California can challenge the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN) by completing the LVN 30 Unit Option program. The LVN 30 Unit Option is a one-year program that provides the required units to take the NCLEX-RN as a non-graduate. 

The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) prescribes the program.

However, there are caveats.

• Most other states do not recognize California's LVN 30 Unit Option, so you cannot endorse your RN license to another state.
• Your status will be non-graduate of an RN program for the duration of your license.
• A degree is not conferred.
• You may have difficulty applying to a college or university for a further degree, meaning you may not be accepted to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
• Employment opportunities may be restricted. For instance, Veterans Administration Hospitals and the military mandate that an RN possess either an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) or BSN for employment or commissioning purposes, respectively. 

LVN 30 Unit Option Program Eligibility and Application

• You must have an LVN license and typically a minimum of 5 years of full-time clinical experience.
• Your experience must include direct patient care in various nursing areas.
• You may also be required to provide documentation of specific continuing education courses or certifications related to your practice.
• You must apply to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), providing documentation of your LVN experience and any advanced skills or certifications (like your mechanical vent certification and wound care experience).

The BRN will evaluate your application and may approve or deny it based on their guidelines. Keep in mind that the challenge process can be competitive and may require additional documentation to prove your readiness.

 Job Prospects After Challenging

Challenging the RN exam can lead to a good job, but there are factors to consider:

• Given your 17 years of experience, you are already well-qualified, especially for roles like home health, hospice, wound care, and advanced patient care. Some employers may value your real-world experience even more than your schooling, particularly in areas where nursing experience is critical. However, some employers will discount your years as an LVN and only "count" your years as an RN. Be prepared that the top of your pay scale now may be close to the entry RN pay scale, but that is temporary.
• RN roles and scope of practice. Having your RN opens the door to more advanced roles and potentially higher pay. As an RN, you will have a broader scope of practice and may be able to take supervisory or leadership positions, which are not open to LVNs.
• However, you will not be eligible for many non-bedside positions without a BSN or even ADN. You will be limited to providing direct patient care.
• Potential challenges. While your skills are impressive, some employers may hesitate to hire an RN who did not graduate from a traditional program, even with significant experience. That said, your specific skill set (e.g., mechanical vent, wound vac, ostomy care) could make you an excellent candidate for specialized nursing positions where your practical experience is considered a major asset.

Bridge Programs in the Bay Area

I understand that you mentioned there are few bridge programs available. However, there may still be options for you. These programs, which allow LVNs to transition to RNs, are more common in some areas and can be completed in a relatively short period (usually 1-2 years). Even if the Bay Area has fewer options, there may be online or hybrid programs that could accommodate your schedule.

Check out the following schools that may offer LVN to RN bridge programs:

• College of San Mateo (offers a Nursing Program with LVN to RN option)
• Foothill College (has an LVN to RN bridge program)
• Las Positas College (offers an LVN to RN program in the East Bay Area)
• Merritt College (LVN to RN transition program in Oakland)

You can also look into online bridge programs that allow you to complete coursework remotely while fulfilling clinical requirements locally.

Suggestions for Your Situation

Given your unique circumstances and extensive experience, here are some tailored suggestions:

• Consider online programs or hybrid options. Many online bridge programs for LVNs transitioning to RNs allow you to continue working while completing the program. Explore options that may allow for some flexibility in terms of scheduling, especially considering your busy career and personal life. Being able to work may offset your educational costs.

My Thoughts

Do not take the LVN 30-unit option. You may very well regret it down the road. You sound ambitious and goal-oriented, and it does not seem like the right path for you.

You have an outstanding foundation in nursing, and now you need the credibility an RN and then a BSN confers. Find a way to get your BSN, and that may mean doing an LVN to RN bridge program, beginning work as an RN, and then getting your BSN, which is actually pretty easily done for a working nurse with flexible educational options. From there, you can even get your MSN or NP.

Make sure you attend an accredited program.

You've worked hard to build this impressive career, and the transition to RN could be a powerful next step! I'm rooting for you!

Nurse Beth