[Bala Shark]

I was wondering if some of you got a RN or PN position before taking NCLEX...I graduted in May, and I did not take the NCLEX yet..How did you go about finding a postion without a license?

[EricEnfermero]

I did. In some states you can work as a graduate nurse (GN) between graduation and NCLEX time. Check out the GN Forum here for some good information.

[flowerchick]

I did. I start Monday and don't take the NCLEX until 7/31. In Illinois, once you get you ATT, you are able to work as an RN-License Pending which means you do EVERYTHING supervised by an RN, which you would anyways during orientation/preceptorship. If, God forbid, you should fail boards, my hospital then changes your position to Tech, but you receive the highest payscale of a tech until you re-take and pass. So, for me, that would mean about a 6.00/hr cut in pay.

[ashla1121]

I did also. I've been working as a Graduate Nurse since mid June. New Hampshire allows you to have a temporary GN license until you either pass or fail your boards. The hospital I work at will give you a tech position if you fail your boards. I'm not sure what the pay cut would be... but I won't worry about that because I (hopefully) passed this morning.

[Boston-RN]

I have a job lined up for when I take the test. I've had the job lined up for about a month prior to graduation. I have the option of starting as a tech and change to LPN when I get licensed or just start after I get licensed. In Mass. they did away with the "graduate nurse" position. No practicing as a nurse until you are licensed.....

[crb613]

I am working as a RNA (RN applicant). I have a provisional license good for 6 months or until I take the NCLEX which ever comes first. In Kentucky we are required to do an additional 120hrs hands on pt care....after graduation before we can take the NCLEX. I practice under the direct supervision of a RN, & do everything a real nurse does. I am paid RN wages....If I do not pass the NCLEX I go to CNA status & pay until I do pass. I have been working in med surg for almost 6 wks, & am almost ready to take the NCLEX!!! With the Lord's help..... I can put RN after my name!

[LouisianaNurse2006]

Sure, RNA right after my name, and with RN pay! If a don't pass I get bumped down to Intern status and pay. (almost same as CNA). All you have to do is put in your application just as you would any other time and let them know when you take your NCLEX. They hired me as an intern months before graduation, then when I got my temporary license after graduation they changed it to RNA (Registered Nurse Applicant) and hopefully after next week it will be RN!!!! Can't wait to get this test over and done with!

[SusanNC]

Hi Bala,

I interviewed for a position a month before I graduated. This hospital will pre-hire you, but you can't work until you have your license, once you get that, they finalize the paperwork and schedule you for orientation, etc.

I'm in NC and not sure how other States do it, but most hospitals here were advertising NewGrad RN positions back in Feb/March. Each hospital has a limited # of NewGrad positions because for each person they hire, they have to have an experienced Nurse as a Preceptor.

[all4schwa]

Originally Posted by SusanNC

I interviewed for a position a month before I graduated. This hospital will pre-hire you, but you can't work until you have your license, once you get that, they finalize the paperwork and schedule you for orientation, etc.

same here, unfortunetly we don't work without acutual licensure here, but i was hired on at one of the big time hospitals that does a new grad internship. they hire them all on early and start them at the same time. i wish i could get my hands on some of that RN pay and leave this smelly old nursing home in the dust!

[truern]

Originally Posted by SusanNC

I interviewed for a position a month before I graduated. This hospital will pre-hire you, but you can't work until you have your license, once you get that, they finalize the paperwork and schedule you for orientation, etc.

I'm in NC and not sure how other States do it, but most hospitals here were advertising NewGrad RN positions back in Feb/March. Each hospital has a limited # of NewGrad positions because for each person they hire, they have to have an experienced Nurse as a Preceptor.

Ditto that. I've had my position lined up since before graduation...just waiting now for the next orientation period next week