Undecided

[Aisha29]

My school offer the option of sitting for the LPN boards after your first year of nursing school, and I am strongly considering the option but want to know some of the pros and cons that I might have.

[NSALVADORE]

If all you have to do is sit for boards then go for it!! You can make some money and gain some GREAT experience while finishing school!!!!

Here at the community college near me after the first year you can take an EXTRA semester and THEN become an LPN. After that you can proceed to finish that last year of the RN. So it is an extra semester there. My school doesn't offer it so it's not an option for me!

Good luck with whatever you decide!!!

[tfleuter, BSN, RN]

I would say go for it, but haven't gone through the process myself, so can't say how much of a hassle it is. My school used to allow this as well, but they recently restructured the program in such a way that students would have to wait till after the 3rd semester, instead of the second. Since there is also the option to apply for your associates after your 4th, while proceeding to your BSN, they have decided to not allow the LPN option any longer. Guess they figured that few would be interested in taking the NCLEX-PN when a semester later they can take the RN version.

[guiltysins]

I would aslo say go for it. Reasons why:

1. You don't have anything to lose as you're still in a nursing program for your RN.

2. If you do pass you can get a job and get some experience so when you become an RN, you won't be like most of the other new grads.

3. When you graduate you'll still have your LPN and won't be considered an RN until you pass the NCLEX. Just in case you don't want to take the test right out of school or don't pass the first time you have something to fall back on unitl you do pass.

CONS:

1. If you don't plan on working at all because you're afraid that you might not be able to do that and school then there's really no reason to do it

[Aisha29]

I'm sorry I didn't include there is a summer course that have to be taken its a pre OB/PEDS class that would also help me when I take that course. Thanks for all of the advice I think I'm going to go for it.

[jennylouwho]

Does your school normally run classes in the summer? Would this delay you in the RN program? If not, I'd go for it.

[Aisha29]

They run this class for the students who have an low GPA or for those who want to sit for the LPN boards.

So it wont put me behind in the RN program

[missy--kay]

I did it! There was a summer semester that only consisted of a class that only met 5 times and a clinical portion. The reasons I did it were:

-Potentially work and make some money my last year of the RN program

-More clinical experience

-Experience studying and taking the NCLEX

-Have something to show for all my work, if for some reason I was not able to finish the RN program... we never know what life holds for us~!

I have not yet even applied for any LPN jobs, but I am still very glad that I have it under my belt - I also have the IV certification with it.

Good luck on your decision. I really don't think you'd regret it!

[CrazierThanYou]

My school used to do that but they stopped. I wish they hadn't.

[kbm318]

I say if you think you can handle working while in school then definitely go for it. If my program offered that opportunity to us I would take it. But if you decide to go that route don't forget your number one priority.. SCHOOL. I don't know how many times I here of people getting jobs while in NS and forgetting to study because they had to work. But good luck to you.

[Justanotherday]

My school offers that too, also requiring the summer class. I plan on taking advantage of it and Lord willing working as an LPN while I finish my schooling for RN.