Can graduate nurses work before passing boards?

MikeyJ, RN · May 30, 2008

It depends on your state, thus I would check with your state board of nursing. Most states have something place where they issue an "interim permit" after graduating and it lasts for a period of time (where I live it lasts for 60 days). It usually cannot be renewed -- so if the new graduate has not passed the NCLEX within that period of time, they can no long work as an RN until they obtain their license.

pshs_2000 · May 30, 2008

It depends on the state and the facility. For example, in Virginia you can start working as a RN-Applicant (RNA), once you received your Authorization to Test letter from NCLEX. If you don't have your ATT, some hospitals may let you work as a nurse tech until you receive it. I do have some friends that are working at UVA and they weren't allowed to start working until after they took NCLEX. Their hire date was scheduled for about 1-2 weeks after they took NCLEX.

hikernurse · May 30, 2008

We can--and do--here. Graduate nurses have to work with a licensed nurse, though, until they pass their boards. The licensed nurse has to sign off on their work. Although GN are strongly urged to take their boards as soon as possible, orientation is long enough that unless one is truly a procrastinator, it's no big deal.

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · May 30, 2008

Graduate Nurses can work for 90 days (I believe) here in Texas. We're actually issued a temporary permit that expires after 90 days or as soon as NCLEX results are back-- meaning if you fail you lose your temporary permit.

Melony, RN · May 30, 2008

Here in IL we are not allowed to work as GN or RNlp. We have to wait until we pass our boards and have official documents in hand that say we passed.

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · May 30, 2008

I too live in Indiana and our hospital no longer recognizes a graduate nurse. This ended this past spring for us, but I know of other Indiana hospitals who stopped having Nurse Techs or Nurse extern's in December 07.

I know that it is great exp but there are many downsides to having a graduate nurse ex: if they fail boards you have now invested training time for someone who will not be able to perform that task for another 90days. Not to mention the liability involved for those registered nurses who mentor a nurse with out a lic.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · May 30, 2008

IL just changed the practice act this year to reflect that only "licensed nurses" can give direct care....so i.e. when I get my offical pass letter from the state, and proof that the state has cashed my check for my license, I can work...

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · May 30, 2008

MO allows you to work for up to 90 days as a GN or until you receive back your NCLEX results. If you fail NCLEX, you are no longer a GN and then it's up to the facility to allow you to continue to work as a Nurse Tech or something similar but you are stripped of all your "RN" type duties ASAP. Obviously if you pass NCLEX, you are an RN.

It's the same process for an LPN as well.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 30, 2008

Wow, seeing these responses makes me wonder about my home state, NY. Here, a graduate nurse can wear the designation 'GN' for a solid YEAR! It's rare, but we do have GNs who have gone the entire 364 days allowed and tested on the one-year anniversary of graduation. Yes, rare, as most really do test within the first few months after school's done. They're not working "under" anyone else's license, however; they are hanging with their own permit and subsequent ability to GET a license. And if they don't pass, they are taken off the nurse staffing and assigned temporarily as techs, until they DO pass.

GNs can get a work permit for specific facilities at which they're hired. I guess they're good for a year, as one of last year's crop of GNs only just took her test last week.

Most of us wanted to get that 'RN' on the badge, though, fast as possible

Piki · May 30, 2008

PA is the same as NY. You have to apply for your temporary license and then it is good for a full year. But most GNs don't wait a full year to test, just a few months at most. It is up to the hospital whether or not they hire GNs. GNs can work in the same capacity as RNs.

cc_nurse · May 31, 2008

In Pennsylvania you can work up to 3 months on your TPP or temp practice permit. Most take the NCLEX in that time frame but if for some reason you didn't I think you can extend it for a short period of time. The TPP is issued only after the nursing school validates your completion and intention to graduate with the state. You work with a preceptor during this time too.