Another "when to take"

[CaptScrubs13]

Hi all -

I know there have been lots of threads before regarding WHEN to take the NCLEX - some people suggest waiting, many say take it sooner rather than later. My question is ... how soon is "soon"?

I'm in sort of a weird situation with my job. I'm in a contracted position until the end of June (not nursing or health-care related). If I wanted to work over the summer, I would have to give my boss a definite time frame of when I could work. Ideally, that would be until Labor Day, but I could say "I can work X number of weeks, and my last day will be X". It is not the type of position where I can work until I am hired in a nursing position, give my 2 weeks and leave.

Currently I only work Fridays and Saturdays, but that is mainly due to my class and clinical schedule. In the past, once school has let out for the summer, my boss requests that I come in and work additional days, but it is not a set schedule (ie she will email and ask if I am around to come in X number of hours on Wednesday this week).

My dilemma is this:

I can take my boards sometime in May/June, end my position in June, and not work while trying to find a new grad nursing job (money would obviously be VERY tight, seeing as very few people in the Boston area are having luck with the RN job search)

I can take my boards sometime in May/June, end my position in June, and try to find a temporary or part-time position in retail or something similar while looking for an RN job.

OR, commit to working the summer with my current job, take my boards sometime in August, and still keep an eye open for RN jobs in the meantime.

I'm doing my best to save as much money as possible, but with the job market looking so slim, I wonder if it'd be a better decision to stay at my job where I make decent money, and take my boards later.

IF you got through the end of this, you are a trooper! And I appreciate any advice you have :)

Thanks!!

[caliotter3]

I would not tie the NCLEX with your present job. Approach each separately. You need the money so stay at the job. Take the test whenever, if you pass, act accordingly. If you don't pass, you will still have your job until you can change your plans. Most people stay at a job until they have the next firm offer anyway. It is a good rule of thumb to keep you out of the unemployment trap. Good luck with both your job hunt and NCLEX.

[laughing weasel]

Take it as soon as possible. Your knowledge is going to be sharpest right after school as will be your motivation.

[elkpark]

Why would you need to wait until you've finished your summer job to write the exam? Take the NCLEX ASAP after you finish school, work the summer at your current job, look for a nuring job during that time -- you just tell potential (nursing) employers that you're not available to start work until XX date. These days, you'll probably need at least that long to find a first nursing job anyway, so, no prob! :)

The longer you wait to write the NCLEX, the easier it gets to put it off longer. You don't want to end up being one of those people who posts here, "I graduated from school four years ago, but I've never taken the NCLEX ..."

[Katheemarie]

Don't put it off, but don't quit your present job either. Once you have that RN in hand make your decisions. It's a win—win situation. Best of luck!