Hiring without a License?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics, Psychiatric.

Hi to all! First of all, I would not have written this if I am so sure of myself!

I just graduated RN this May 2011 with an ADN program in a nice well known school in our area. I did not take the nclex right away because of personal issues, mainly because I want to hang out with my infant and prepare his 1 year birthday in August. I felt like I owe him a lot of time for not being there with him while in nursing school. Anyway, 2 weeks ago, I got a job interview, went to the interview, the manager said she would love to hire me, told her I am awaiting to take the nclex RN. Well I took it last week and failed :crying2: I know I failed because my mind was not clear at that time. My husband and I just argued the whole night before the test and the D word came up. Of course it was 3 am and I couldn't re schedule the exam. I failed. And was so depressed. Still am, but the hubby was so sorry too and said he will pay for the next test.

Anyway, today the recruiter sent me the new employee packet and 8+ forms to fill up. In the letter she said I was "Selected for a hire". I did the background check online and I am sure I don't have any criminal history maybe just a parking ticket but just that. I am worried about my license though. In the letter she said once I am cleared in the background check, she will call me and give me an offer then give me a written offer if I accepted. Next week is the orientation. I am really nervous. I do not know what to do. I am planning on discussing with them my NCLEX failure, but one of my friends told me to just say I need to retake it in December.

My question is, will the hospital consider this? Maybe they can hire me as a tech for now which I do not mind. I am just really anxious right now. I really wish I get that call. When I saw the nursing manager whom I will work with, I really felt the connection was there.. but if this is not what God wants for me, then I need to let it go. Also, I am planning on taking a review class. Maybe Kaplan or Hurst or Martin? Thankfully my husband will pay for it! very depressed right now.. but still with a tiny bit of hope.

Anne

You need to call them, unless they arent planning on putting you on the floor right away. I think its best to be honest though.

Try to get hired for a tech job and explain to them reasons why you were not fully prepared for NCLEX the first time and your plans to nail it this time. In my state, once you fail NCLEX you lose any provisional status and cannot work in the capacity of an RN. Better to be honest now than have them find out and get in trouble for practicing without a license. Good luck!

Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.
Hi to all! First of all, I would not have written this if I am so sure of myself!

I just graduated RN this May 2011 with an ADN program in a nice well known school in our area. I did not take the nclex right away because of personal issues, mainly because I want to hang out with my infant and prepare his 1 year birthday in August. I felt like I owe him a lot of time for not being there with him while in nursing school. Anyway, 2 weeks ago, I got a job interview, went to the interview, the manager said she would love to hire me, told her I am awaiting to take the nclex RN. Well I took it last week and failed :crying2: I know I failed because my mind was not clear at that time. My husband and I just argued the whole night before the test and the D word came up. Of course it was 3 am and I couldn't re schedule the exam. I failed. And was so depressed. Still am, but the hubby was so sorry too and said he will pay for the next test.

Anyway, today the recruiter sent me the new employee packet and 8+ forms to fill up. In the letter she said I was "Selected for a hire". I did the background check online and I am sure I don't have any criminal history maybe just a parking ticket but just that. I am worried about my license though. In the letter she said once I am cleared in the background check, she will call me and give me an offer then give me a written offer if I accepted. Next week is the orientation. I am really nervous. I do not know what to do. I am planning on discussing with them my NCLEX failure, but one of my friends told me to just say I need to retake it in December.

My question is, will the hospital consider this? Maybe they can hire me as a tech for now which I do not mind. I am just really anxious right now. I really wish I get that call. When I saw the nursing manager whom I will work with, I really felt the connection was there.. but if this is not what God wants for me, then I need to let it go. Also, I am planning on taking a review class. Maybe Kaplan or Hurst or Martin? Thankfully my husband will pay for it! very depressed right now.. but still with a tiny bit of hope.

Anne

Speak with them and be totally honest. Schedule your re-test and study, study, study!!

In my state they can hire you as a GN, but once you take the NCLEX, you either are an RN (pass!) or no longer a GN (fail). With any luck they'll hire you as a tech until you can re-test and PASS =)

GL to you!!

Specializes in Geriatrics, Psychiatric.

I plan on telling them (recruiter and manager) right away. I don't like lying especially in this field. I already told the nursing manager during the interview that I do not have a license yet and will take it soon. She for some reason still said she would hire me. She asked me "How bad do you want this job" and I was very honest in telling her that I like it a lot but if I am not qualified I can let it go - thats when she stopped me and said you are very much qualified and I would love for you to work here. She said she sees herself in me. I have a BS in psychology though and the position is for psychiatric RN or psychiatric tech, I also did my clinical rotation there so I know the place very well. I am very nervous..

Anne

Specializes in Geriatrics, Psychiatric.

I will take the test as early as December. Today I received the letter from the board of nursing, I am below passing in the health promotion/maintenance, planning on attending a review course next week or end of this month.. been studying since I took the exam. I hope this all work out soon.. very depressing.

Anne

Don't stress...lots of great nurses fail the test first time around :-). I used to teach nursing and hospital orientation for new hires and lots of times they brought in girls who had not passed their test. Had them work for a few months, get to know the staff, the unit etc, and then switched them to RN's as soon as they passed. This will not be the first time this has happened to them, believe me :-). Good luck and let us know how it goes. Do NOT be ashamed of this, do not go in there with your head hanging low....it happened, and you are taking corrective action.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Psychiatric.

Thanks SantaRN! :) So far no calls yet.. maybe they changed their minds..

Anne

Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

I don't understand why you are waiting for them to give you a call when you already know you cannot work as a licensed nurse. I'm also surprised that you did the background check for the RN position knowing that you failed NCLEX.

Call them today and tell them you need to retake the NCLEX. Save them the aggravation of going through all the hiring processes, losing their second choice to another job, having to choose and interview more candidates, etc. See what they have to say.

Get your paperwork for a re-take started TODAY. Make a plan to study and pick a date as soon as you get your ATT.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Psychiatric.

dudette10, I sent them a message this morning indicating that I have to wait for my license, retake it in December and that I am willing to take a tech position. So far no response. Also I am continually studying and will take a review class next week.. soo tiring :(

Anne

Specializes in Geriatrics, Psychiatric.

They gave me an offer to work as a tech first but the salary is $13.00/hour only.. She said once I get the RN it will change which I should be getting in December 17. the base pay seems low :( but oh well.. I have a month to sacrifice. I am wondering if I can negotiate the salary?

Anne

Specializes in Geriatrics, Psychiatric.

Just wondering

Anne

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