Applying for licensure in Mass.

[leo_bsn]

Hi there,

I am hoping some of you might be able to help me out. I will graduate with my BSN in December and will be moving to Boston at that time. I will be taking the NCLEX in January. I've looked through the packet of info from the Board of Nursing and I have a question.

Can I be hired somewhere prior to taking the NCLEX? Can I practice as an RN-applicant prior to taking the NCLEX? Or do I need to have taken the NCLEX and received my license before starting orientation?

In the state where I am now, you have 90 days from the day of graduation to practice as an RN-applicant, meaning you can start orientation, etc. I'm wondering if it is the same in Mass.

Thank you!

[suzanne4, RN]

You will find issue with many hospitals hiring nurses that do not have the NCLEX and a license in hand before beginning work, as well as a facility hiring a GN that graduated from school in another state.

Yes, you can get hired before you graduate, but I highly recommend that you get the NCLEX done right away.............you need to concentrate on that, and when you start orientation, you are going to have quite a bit of work to do with that as well.

[leo_bsn]

Maybe I am interpreting your reply wrong, but are you saying that I may have trouble getting hired somewhere because I went to school in a different state?

[suzanne4, RN]

Working as a graduate nurse, if it is permitted, when you are trained in another state is usually difficult. The facility will usually hire a nurse that they are familiar with. Many states are no longer permitting GNs, require that you pass NCLEX first. I agree 100% with that.

You will have much better results if you begin work after you have passed NCLEX, but you can easily get hured before. People move all of the time........

You will also find it very stressful getting settled in a new place, preparing for NCLEX, as well as starting a new job. Much better to go with two out of the three.

[Leda]

Massachusetts does not have graduate nurse status. To practice as a nurse in Massachusetts, you must have successfully passed NCLEX. You can contact hospitals in the Boston area to discuss your interest, but you will not be able to work until your offically an RN. Hospitals and healthcare facilities do interview nurses prior to passing NCLEX, but your employment would depend upon your passing.

[leo_bsn]

Thank you for the information.

I'm contacting MGH and some others to hopefully set up some interviews.