Can you apply for a nursing job before taking the NCLEX exam?

weetziebat · Jul 25, 2004

well, i graduated in 1986, so may be behind the times - but we were able to work before testing. we worked as "graduate nurses" until being notified we had passed and then as rn's or lpn's.

and no question is stupid :)

FutureIsBlue, LPN, LVN · Jul 25, 2004

Okay!:-) That's what I thought, but I wasn't too sure.

Thank you!

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Jul 25, 2004

I am working with a few new grads and they were able to apply when they got their letter from the state saying they were eligible to take the NCLEX. My husband graduated a couple of years ago and applied for and got a job without them even verifying if he had truly graduated. He couldn't provide any patient care until he got his letter from the state though.

Back when I graduated (you know, when NCLEX was only given 2x/year!), I was hired before I graduated though I didn't start orientation until after graduation.

OneChattyNurse · Jul 25, 2004

i graduated from nursing school in texas. there you can work as a graduate. in iowa though, where i am originally from, you cannot work until you are actually licensed (unless you work at the va).

i was working and my results came in the mail. my aunt opened them up and i had passed, so the first 1/2 of my shift i sighnd gvn and that last 1/2 i signed lvn.

anyway...good luck to you as you begin your career!!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2004

Absolutely apply for that job! Good luck. Here in Florida new grads are able to orient with a nurse, while they are waiting to take the exam, but no med passing and charting, etc. Many have their jobs lined up even before they graduate. It's sweet like that. :)

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Jul 25, 2004

Yes. And you can be hired and work too.