Would you take the LPN test?

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

If you could, would you take the LPN test assuming you'd finished enough of your RN or RN/BSN program to do so? The 13 of us in my cohort were informed the other day that at the end of the semester we could take the LPN exam if we so elected. Although some others saw this as a back up plan in case they can't pass their RN NCLEX someday I saw it as immediate opportunity. Although I have no real desire to work as a LPN or in the venues one normally finds LPNs I could see getting some part-time work in over the next spring semester as helpful in the RN/BSN job search later (May 2012) particularly since I'm unwilling to move anywhere outside of an hour radius right now. As it stands, I currently work 32 hours every weekend anyway along with assorted hours during the week nights so I could easily drop one of the jobs I've got now and work somewhere as a LPN and perhaps even at greater pay.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

I would take it. I took an summer course and passed PN boards while halfway through RN school. I make a decent wage and have gained valuable experience as a nurse. When I graduate in Dec. as a RN I won't really be a new grad nurse, I'm already nurse and just adding the RN behind my name. Good luck with what ever you decide

[chinacatSN]

I would take it. There are many hospitals in my area who will hire you if you already have your LPN and are currently pursuing your RN.

I completed the LPN portion of my education in May and am finishing the RN portion at the moment. I work for a temp agency and make more money than some of the new RNs in my area. I am sent to various nursing homes, clinics, and I even went to a pharmacy once where I gave flu shots. I can set my own hours and where I want to work. They call me when they have shifts available and I pick the ones I want. I get paid every week too. Plus, I'll have nursing experience on my resume when I apply for RN positions - which is always a plus and will put you ahead of the pack.

[futurenurseya33]

I didn't know that was even an option. Is it an option only where you live? How much of the program do you have to finish for that? I'm gonna check our Board of Nursing.

[SweetseRN]

Yes, if that is an option in your state (it's not in mine anymore, sadly) it will give you an edge for an RN position. It will also give you lots of experience. Go for it, why not? I would have if it was an option for me.

[pockunit, ADN, RN]

Absolutely take it. If nothing else, you have a handle on how the test is run, what questions look like, and how to prepare better for the RN test.

I took it because I worried that life might happen between 3rd semester and graduation, and I wasn't about to put myself in the position of needing to take it 6 or more months after I graduated from the PN portion of the program. I decided NOT to try and get a pt job while I'm in school, but I'm damn happy to have that license pinned to my bulletin board. It's an insurance policy, IMO.