At what point can I no longer work as an ED tech?

Published

Hello everyone! I recently took my NCLEX and passed. I was told that it would be a minimum of 2-4 weeks before i received my license number and 4-6 weeks before receiving a physical license. I guess I'm lucky because I received my license number less than 24 hours after completing my exam. I have asked many people and no oine can give me a definitive answer as to when I am not longer allowed to work as an ED tech. I have been told anything from when you find out that you passed, when you get your license number, when you receive your physical license and when you get a job as a nurse. My job has been giving me the run around. The first answer I got was once a license number has been issued, I can no longer work as a tech. Then when I said that I had received my license number they said "I think you can work until you receive your physical license". Does anyone know what the true answer is? I do not want to go to work and put my license on the line. I worked to hard to get this license to loose it over a tech job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Perhaps this varies state to state. But I don't understand what a physical license is, and why you would need that to practice nursing. Once you have a number shouldn't you be good to practice? That is all that should be needed to verify that you are licensed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Once you have the number you are legally able to work as a nurse. Consult HR regarding system policies whether you can continue as a tech

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

Some states do not even issue physical licenses, so that is definitely not the correct answer. If you have a license #, you are an RN. It is up to your hospital policy if you can still work as a tech.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's up to hospital policy. At my place you have two weeks to hand in your license number to HR so that's how long you have after you pass.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Are you looking for a nursing job? It's likely that, at some point, your current employer is going to suddenly tell you you can't work as a tech any longer, and you're likely to not get much notice about that. I would be working hard to find an RN position.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion