[Maudy]

I just graduated in December with my Associates. I haven't taken NCLEX yet, so I'd be getting a job as a GN. No one wants a GN, they want an RN. I don't know what to do because I haven't had a job in 6 months and I'm running low on cash. I'm relying on my boyfriend to support me right now. Should I just get any job right now like a cashier or something for some cash flow? At least then I can study for NCLEX and then once I take the test and pass, I can look for a job. I'm running out of options.

[traumaRUs]

When do you plan to take the NCLEX? If cash flow is an issue, then I would study hard for a few days and bite the bullet and do the NCLEX.

[Maudy]

I was planning on taking the NCLEX next month, but the state is being slow, so I haven't gotten my ATT yet.

[pagandeva2000]

Try to give Pearson a call to see what is holding up the process. Sometimes, that gets them to speed up the process. But, I would try and get NCLEX out of the way. Many times, my professors advised that it was not always the best idea to work as a GN before the exam, because the person will start seeing the bad habits that the seasoned nurses are doing (actually, I have to reword 'bad' to 'real world nursing') and apply this thought process to NCLEX. Also, if you don't pass the test, they automatically terminate the GN or reduce them to working as nursing assistants. Good luck! And, yes, if you need money, grab something easy without a great deal of concentration so that you can study.

[CNAinNeb]

Can't you work as a CNA or a student nurse tech?

[Maudy]

I can't work as a CNA because my certification is expired. No use in paying over $100 to take that exam again and work as an aide for a few months. As a tech...I don't know. Can I get a job as a tech without being certified?

Thanks for the advice guys.

[CNAinNeb]

Originally Posted by Maudy

I can't work as a CNA because my certification is expired. No use in paying over $100 to take that exam again and work as an aide for a few months. As a tech...I don't know. Can I get a job as a tech without being certified?

Thanks for the advice guys.

As far as I know, you can work as a tech w/o being certified. The hospitals in my area hire student nurse techs who have BLS, and one year of clinical. No CNA needed. You could also work as a unit secretary, or unit clerk.

If not, I think $100 would be worth it to take the state test again, assuming you could get an immediate test date. You would make that back in a couple days working as a CNA. Its better than the alternative of thousands on your credit cards to pay the billd for the next couple of months.

[Maudy]

Originally Posted by CNAinNeb

As far as I know, you can work as a tech w/o being certified. The hospitals in my area hire student nurse techs who have BLS, and one year of clinical. No CNA needed. You could also work as a unit secretary, or unit clerk.

If not, I think $100 would be worth it to take the state test again, assuming you could get an immediate test date. You would make that back in a couple days working as a CNA. Its better than the alternative of thousands on your credit cards to pay the billd for the next couple of months.

Thanks. I'll look into that. I am actually going to an open house next week at a local hospital to discuss some career opportunities with them. Hopefully I'll get something there!

I am actually lucky that I don't have a lot of bills, so I could hold off on a job for a little while longer, but the sooner I get a job, the better.

[gtmoore]

As soon as you graduate, you are considered an NG and do not need a CNA per the BON. You do however need to take the NCLEX ASAP. Do not wait. I understand you don't have your ATT yet. You need to call your school and not the state as the ATT comes from your school. You need to call them now. The longer you wait to test, the less likely you are to pass. Also, there are plenty of jobs out there, just keep looking. Try to get into a residency program.

[woody436]

In Illinois as of January 1st new grad nurses CAN'T work as RN-LP (RN-License Pending) any longer. The State BON wants graduates to prepare and pass the NCLEX as opposed to looking for and orienting to a new job. They're predicting higher first time NCLEX pass rates. Some hospitals (mine included) exploit a loophole in the law and have created a new position where the qualification is "Recent graduate from an accredited nursing program". I think the title is patient care associate or some such thing. You get to orient with an RN to the position/dept. but (of course) you don't get nurses wages, although at my place, they're offering retroactive pay back to the time you get your ATT letter and the time you pass your NCLEX...not bad really!