Do graduate nurses get hired before passing NCLEX?

Published

Hello all! It's been awhile since my last post...I graduated from an ADN program this past week, so I am officially a LPN/ 'graduate nurse'. :-) I'm wondering if I can start applying for jobs now, even though I haven't taken Boards yet. I plan to take it in July, but money has been a little tight so I'm not sure of an exact date yet. Should I just wait until after I take it or can I start applying now? What are the chances of me getting hired because of this?

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Some places do hire GNs, but the risk is in the fact that the GN hasn't passed the NCLEX yet. Should the GN fail, he/she can't work as a nurse until they pass it. Also, the facility isn't obligated to hold the nursing job for them until they do and/or place them in another job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Answer To Question Posed: Yes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatry.
Apply now! Most of the people in my class, including myself, got jobs before graduation.

THIS!! Great advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

Since I posted in this thread , I was contacted by three hospitals. One told me to call them after I take the nclex (which I am going to at the end of August). Another one set up a phone interview. The third wanted a face to face interview(it's in West Virginia; I live in md so it's about a 6 hr drive). I still haven't heard from any of the hospitals in my home state, and I applied to about 70% of them lol, but at least I'm getting some feedback :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Good luck! Why are you not taking boards until August?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

Thanks! i'm giving myself a little bit more time to study lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Depends on the state - NPA regulations & efficiency of the NCLEX process. Some states have a very rapid and efficient process - whereby NCLEX eligibility & testing can be established very quickly. Other states . . . not so much. In the latter, it is much more likely for a GN/GVN to be allowed to work prior to NCLEX because it may be months before they even get their ATT.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good advice. I am about to enter my last semester of an ASN program and will graduate in December. How far into the semester should I start applying for jobs?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

Maybe you should wait & apply for jobs around October. I saw a lot of hospitals put a lot of new grad positions out around that time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you! I just didn't want to start searching too late and all of the positions be filled.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion