Sitting in/"Challenging" VA LPN exam

[sajasm]

I am an RN student from Virginia. I've asked around and called the VA board of nursing. I've also visited the web site, and I still haven't found out if it is possible for me to take the LPN boards. Are there any of you from Virginia who have taken the NCLEX-PN as a RN student?

[Meridian]

Why would you take the PN boards if you are an RN student? You should only take the Nclex RN exam.

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

Don't bet on it. Look at the hours required for clinicals to get your LPN license; chances are, you haven't gotten that many, plus they wouldn't be "LPN hours." Yeah, they'd be RN, and you'd think one would fold into the other, but the board is...ahem...not logical.

We were told as LPN students that we could sit for the CNA license after one semester -- we found out that wasn't so, since we had to have someone in a CNA program vouch for us, do a boat load of paperwork, petition the board -- crap, by the time you'd do all that, you're out of school and sitting for the NCLEX anyway.

[nursejoy1, ASN, RN]

I believe it is according to your individual program. In Alabama, the nursing schools now use what they call a "standardized" curriculum. The LPN and RN students attend the same classes for the first year and at the end of that year, LPN students can take NCLEX. RN students have the option to test for LPN license and then go thru the Bridge program to complete their RN. Could be the same where you are. Good Luck.

[Jules A, MSN]

After our first semester of LPN school all we had to do was pay the fee and sign up for our CNA license. Since the LPN program was 3 semesters vs. 2 semesters of first year RN students they are not eligible to take the LPN boards.

[sajasm]

After our first semester of LPN school all we had to do was pay the fee and sign up for our CNA license. Since the LPN program was 3 semesters vs. 2 semesters of first year RN students they are not eligible to take the LPN boards.

Where was this LPN program?

My RN program actually has three semesters in the first year.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

each state board of nursing has regulations on this issue. many do not feel that student in an rn program can take lpn exam after completion of # xyz courses as scope of practice different and one must officially graduate from nursing program.

va regs: attention newly licensed rn's & lpn's - view the laws and regulations governing the practice of nursing and health professions in general

54.1-3020. qualifications of applicant for practical nurse's license.

an applicant for a license to practice as a practical nurse shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant:

1. has completed two years of high school or its equivalent;

2. has received a diploma from an approved practical nursing program;

3. has passed a written examination as required by the board; and

4. has committed no acts which are grounds for disciplinary action as set forth in this chapter.

pa/nj/de all have same requirements.check your board of nursing's website for qualifications for licensure ---links to all states boards under yellow resource tab right corner of an website!