Do graduate nurses get hired before passing NCLEX?

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Jun 30, 2013

There's no harm in applying now. I got offered a job before I passed NCLEX, but I wasn't allowed to start orientation until I had a license in hand.

MexRnToBe · Jun 30, 2013

Hello all! It's been awhile since my last post...I graduated from an ADN program this past week so I am officially a LPN/ 'graduate nurse'. :-) I'm wondering if I can start applying for jobs now, even though I haven't taken Boards yet. I plan to take it in July, but money has been a little tight so I'm not sure of an exact date yet. Should I just wait until after I take it or can I start applying now? What are the chances of me getting hired because of this?[/quote']
Apply now. Just find out when the start date is. I was offered a job pending my nclex results. Applied in April, interviewed in may, took nclex in june, and start working in July.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2013

Start applying NOW. When I was a senior in college, I had my job offer in March (contingent upon passing NCLEX), took NCLEX in June and started working in September (by choice).

hello_nurse77 · Jul 2, 2013

The search has begun! :-) Thanks for your responses!!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2013

My place of employment hired a GN a few months ago, which is a rarity because they are wary of things not working out for a grad who has not yet passed NCLEX.

The GN oriented for two to three months, and after failing NCLEX her GN status was revoked. HR offered her a patient care tech position that she could work until she was able to pass NCLEX, but she refused and decided to resign altogether.

hello_nurse77 · Jul 2, 2013

My place of employment hired a GN a few months ago, which is a rarity because they are wary of things not working out for a grad who has not yet passed NCLEX.
The GN oriented for two to three months, and after failing NCLEX her GN status was revoked. HR offered her a patient care tech position that she could work until she was able to pass NCLEX, but she refused and decided to resign altogether.

Ahhh ok, wasn't sure if they still did that. I remember back in my STNA days we had to train all these people who were waiting to take Boards. Thought it was strange, but some of them really needed that experience! LOL

4evadrea · Jul 5, 2013

There's no harm in applying now. I got offered a job before I passed NCLEX, but I wasn't allowed to start orientation until I had a license in hand.

Same thing for me! I was hired prior to taking the NCLEX. My hospital wanted to verify BON posted my license on their website prior to me beginning my RN residency.

lanaRN1002 · Jul 10, 2013

I would apply. Depending on your location hospitals offer postions specifically for NG. For example New York State offers a limited permit allowing NGs to have limited practice for 90 days after applying for a permit. An employer usually requires the new grad to sit for NCLEX within 60 days. If one fails he or she is usually demoted until she successfully passes the NCLEX.

So my advice research whether or not your state allows NGs to practice under a permit. Look into different employer and whether or not they hire NGs

LifesAJourney · Jul 10, 2013

Apply now! Most of the people in my class, including myself, got jobs before graduation.

MedChica · Jul 10, 2013

Yeah. I was a working GVN. You've gotta scour the city though. The facilities willing to take on students who have yet to sit for boards don't seem to advertise much. I would think that most states allowed GVNs and GNs to practice without a license for a time. So long as you're supervised and they're willing to take you. I can understand why a facility would tread lightly. They're training and pouring resources into someone who may/not even pass NCLEX.

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2013

Hello all! It's been awhile since my last post...I graduated from an ADN program this past week, so I am officially a LPN/ 'graduate nurse'. :-) I'm wondering if I can start applying for jobs now, even though I haven't taken Boards yet. I plan to take it in July, but money has been a little tight so I'm not sure of an exact date yet. Should I just wait until after I take it or can I start applying now? What are the chances of me getting hired because of this?

I'm also a new grad/LPN. My question is for you (and any others in the same boat!): are you applying for jobs that specifically say New Grad RN? I've been applying like crazy since I finished school but I have only had 1 job interview (which unfortunately I did not get).

I'm wondering if my experience as an LPN is somewhat hurting my job hunt?