This is looking to be expensive...

KRVRN, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2003

Well, you could probably skip the IP. Assuming you pass your NCLEX the first time, you will get your results, AND your real license within a couple of weeks (or less).

OBNURSEHEATHER · Jan 21, 2003

What's an IP license?

KRVRN, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2003

Interim Permit I assume.

OBNURSEHEATHER · Jan 21, 2003

It was exactly 2 weeks from the day I took boards to the day I found out. Hope you're not spending too much money for 2 whole weeks.

Heather

legsmalone, RN · Jan 22, 2003

Truthfully, I don't know, everyone suggests getting the interim permit, presumably because of the time it takes for the BRN in California to process the transcripts for all the graduates in the state. Past graduates have told us that it took up to a month to get the dates/testing sites. Then the couple weeks before that, then the couple of weeks for the results...So at most it looks like a couple of months before I would be official...

Vsummer1 · Jan 22, 2003

Our school breaks it down on the book list they send us. They don't include the books in this amount, because some students will buy the recommended along with the required. But, they list "miscellaneous" required by all students (photo ID badges to the parking fees to the BRN/NCLEX fees and even small stuff like scissors).

So, JUST the little things -- not including the cost of tuition & books, transportation, board and room or the physical examination -- the cost of attending is approximately $1,730.

KAYfutureLPN · Jan 23, 2003

The program I'm doing is going to be 8,000 something and that doesn't count the 200 dollars to take the test to get my license.

That's just tuition/books/supplies----then I have to factor transportation (live like 40 min. away from school) and day care (I have a 4 year old and a 17 mth old)

*sigh*

good luck,

*Kay*

Erinkate2959 · Jan 24, 2003

I was wondering the same thing you guys are talking about. How long do you have to wait after graduation to take the NCLEX? Do you think it is better to wait until after you've taken the test to start working? Combining the stress of studying and the high stress of starting a new job seems pretty scary, but I don't want to have to wait too long. Our school didn't give us any information on how to go about signing up for the test, when it is offered, how long we have to wait. When we asked the program directors they claimed that it was up to us to figure out by contacting the state. As you can tell, they are SO VERY helpful to the students!! I/ve checked out the NCLEX website but it is a little confusing. Anyway, anyone have any tips or insight? I would appreciate it.

Erin

louloubell1 · Jan 24, 2003

Are you in your final semester of your nursing program Erin? Most schools don't really talk to you much about any of the NCLEX info until that last semester because you can't apply for your license before then. In my state, the process went like this. . . couple months before graduation you filled out the applications for the board of nursing & for the NCLEX, got fingerprinted, blah, blah, blah. Sent all that in. The BON sends back a paper that the school has to put their seal on AFTER you graduate, & then that paper gets sent back to the BON. After that you just wait for your authorization to test letter.

You only have to wait until you receive your authorization to test letter to take boards. Then you can make your appt to take the test. As far working or not working. . . I don't know. I could see good points and bad points for whatever way you go. For myself, I started as a GN two days after graduation. Did that out of necessity really, as we were in the process of buying our first home & all that the bank was waiting on for closing was my first paycheck as a nurse. I took boards then about two months after I graduated. To be honest, I didn't study for boards. I kind of figured, what's the point, and after having taken the test I can honestly say that I'm glad I didn't waste time studying & cramming to review because there is no way I would have studied the type of material presented to me on that test.

NurseShell · Jan 24, 2003

Originally posted by KRVRN
Well, you could probably skip the IP. Assuming you pass your NCLEX the first time, you will get your results, AND your real license within a couple of weeks (or less).

Seriously?! Your location says San Diego...me too...a friend, also SD, said it took 6 months for NCLEX to notify you of pass/fail...what's up with that?!?! I'd much rather wait a couple weeks than months!!

legsmalone, RN · Jan 24, 2003

Originally posted by nurseshell
Seriously?! Your location says San Diego...me too...a friend, also SD, said it took 6 months for NCLEX to notify you of pass/fail...what's up with that?!?! I'd much rather wait a couple weeks than months!!

I am in Bakersfield, grew up in SD, and I have heard anywhere from 2 weeks to a month on results....not 6 months though, anything is possible. The problem is that there are a lot of people graduating and taking the test at the same time, so getting testing dates and results may take awhile (this according to the BRN reps who came to work on accrediting my school). Is anyone else getting their IP?

On a side note: What school in SD are you at?