Student RN - after two years of RN study can one challenge the LPN Exam?

Fiona59 · Feb 24, 2005

Why don't you call CLPNBC to find out? They administer the test and charge the fees.

Why aren't you asking the hospital where you do clinicals if they hire nursing students for patient care? The hospitals in Alberta do, they have categories such as "employed nursing student" or "accredited care worker". They have their own test that they administer.

There aren't a lot of LPN jobs around in BC, and there are qualified, experienced LPNs looking for them.

Rebel_Kitty · Feb 25, 2005

"Why don't you call CLPNBC to find out? They administer the test and charge the fees".

-Thanks. I will try the CLPNBC.

"Why aren't you asking the hospital where you do clinicals if they hire nursing students for patient care? The hospitals in Alberta do, they have categories such as "employed nursing student" or "accredited care worker". They have their own test that they administer".

-I'm just starting September 2005, so no clinicals yet. But I hope they do hire nursing students because I would like to work/make money asap and study at the same time.

Kath27 · Feb 25, 2005

Hi there

New here as well!

I do know that RN students can apply to work as LPNs here in BC. Many of the students in my program did it but it will cost a bit of money - to pay for the exam application process, writing the exam and registering as a LPN. Contact the College of LPN and they will send you a package with all the information. They are familiar with the process for RN students as many people do this to help finance their RN education. I think it's a great idea if you can afford it and get a job that will give you the hours that you want. It will also give you great experience and it pays!!! Bonus.

Good luck with your studies! It's a long haul but it will pay off in the end.

Rebel_Kitty · Feb 26, 2005

Hi there
New here as well!
I do know that RN students can apply to work as LPNs here in BC. Many of the students in my program did it but it will cost a bit of money - to pay for the exam application process, writing the exam and registering as a LPN. Contact the College of LPN and they will send you a package with all the information. They are familiar with the process for RN students as many people do this to help finance their RN education. I think it's a great idea if you can afford it and get a job that will give you the hours that you want. It will also give you great experience and it pays!!! Bonus.
Good luck with your studies! It's a long haul but it will pay off in the end.

Hi Kath. That's really good to hear. I will contact College of LPN and inquire about this package. Which school are you going to? Were your classmates generally successful in finding LPN jobs?

Kath27 · Feb 28, 2005

Hi Kath. That's really good to hear. I will contact College of LPN and inquire about this package. Which school are you going to? Were your classmates generally successful in finding LPN jobs?

I think everyone was very successful in obtaining work as a LPN. They get calls constantly from what I hear to see if they can come in to work that day - due to sick calls, shortage etc. I don't think you'll have a problem finding work. Good luck!

JustBeReal · Mar 29, 2005

I am considering going to NewBrunswick Community College/Saint John,Located in Saint John,NB Canada E2L 3V1. I am very intrested in there practical nursing program. It sounds dicant and espically for the cost of tuition wich is like 4 1/2 times less then the distance ed program that I picked out in Missouri. What i want to know does any on here reccomend this school? What all do you know about it? Dose this school and particaularly this program have a good reputation? And last but not least can nurses some one that is a lisenced practical nurse in Canada transfer or apply for lisensure in the USA with out having to do nursing school all over again?

PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE WRITE BACK ASAP DEADLINES WITH STUDENT AID ARE TICKING AWAY AND I NEED TO MAKE SOME CHOICES SOON. I NEED YOU'R INPUT BADLY. PLEASE RESPOND.

suzanne4, RN · Mar 29, 2005

If you are Canadian, an LPN will not get you a work permit in the US. It isn't covered under the NAFTA treaty, so you would be waiting for years to get the permit. If US is your goal, the LPN from Canada will be no use for you. No matter how much money that you can save.

JaclynBN05 · Apr 7, 2005

Hi there! I was an LPN when I began my BN program in 2001. I challenged the clinical right off the bat and I was able to be excused from all the clinical in 1st and some in 2nd year. It was alot of work to get out of though....wish I would've jsut done it.....keeps you connected to your classmates. As well it also put some tension between the LPN;'s and some of the professors.

Just my advice......Youll do what is best for you!

JM

Allie89 · Apr 14, 2009

Hello, I am kind of in the same boat I am just finishing up my second year as a RN student at the University of Saskatchewan and would like to challenge the LPN exam to work over the summer as a LPN instead of a care aide($18 compaired to $23.98). Has anyone done this before in Saskatchewan? and if yes is it worth it?

Fiona59 · Apr 14, 2009

Check with the SK College of PNs.

I wouldn't think it was cost effective. In AB, it's $250/year for the practice permit and I believe the exam fee is around $600 and is only written at set dates.

Look into the employed nursing student roll in the hospitals.

linzz · Apr 14, 2009

Personally I would go for the employed student role even if it pays less because it will give you lots of exposure to the hospital, you will get known and it may make it far easier to secure work when school ends. I would think most RN students want to work in the hospital as their first choice.

The other thing is that after getting your LPN, you will be held fully accountable with possibly not enough orientation time as compared to an LPN student who may have done a few months of full time clincal in a LTC which could in the worst (understaffed) case, lead one into trouble. Depending on your situation, it just may not be worth the risk to obtaining your RN licence. JMO.