Do you need a license to practice as a RN or can you just how proof of passing NCLEX?

corbinRN · Sep 4, 2011

In NC, passing NCLEX means you're registered/licensed. Look yourself up on the board of nursing for your state.

MamaCJRN · Sep 4, 2011

I don't know about other states but in Oklahoma we have license veification on the state board of nursing website. This verification is what we use when hiring new staff, our facility no longer asks for a copy of the RN card. Check with the HR department where you are applying and they should be able to tell you how they verify licensure. :) Best wishes in your new career!

VICEDRN, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

In Georgia, you need a license. Passing nclex is not the same thing as having a license and there is a slight lag between passing and obtaining a license. Being able to look at the license online is sufficient for most facilities here though the actual card is delayed by several weeks.

Isabelle49 · Sep 4, 2011

Prior to taking the NCLEX, we were issued a temporary license as an R.N. App. After passing the NCLEX, we were issued an RN License. You cannot practice as an RN until you have the license or it is posted on the BON website. Until that happens, you can practice as an RN App.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

License.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

no, but if you passed the nclex you should have one in the mail in a few days. didn't they tell you that?

Jenni811, RN · Sep 4, 2011

Is this a joke?? You cannot even take NCLEX without passing nursing school.

of course you need a license to work as an RN, that is why it is called REGISTERED nurse

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

no, but if you passed the nclex you should have one in the mail in a few days. didn't they tell you that?

that's what i was thinking. :confused:

geez. it seems like folks are really getting ripped off re: not being taught really basic stuff. not the student/gn fault- it's not common random knowledge. isn't there some nursing lecture class where the basics of getting licensed are taught?

op- this isn't about you personally at all- it's a very valid question- but you should have been give this info before graduating...

chevyv, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

If you passed the NCLEX, your licensed. Look yourself up and any employer will be doing the same. You should be posted already, especially if you already know. A big huge CONGRATS to you!!!!

RFRN · Sep 4, 2011

In Nebraska, we have to apply for a license before we can take NCLEX (or at least this is how I remember it). Then when you pass, NCLEX sends your results to the state and they issue your license - usually within a week or so - and your name is listed on the DHHS website.

So to answer your question - you need both a license and to pass NCLEX to practice as an RN. If you passed, you should be getting your licensure very soon.

bsnanat2 · Sep 4, 2011

In Georgia, you need a license. Passing nclex is not the same thing as having a license and there is a slight lag between passing and obtaining a license. Being able to look at the license online is sufficient for most facilities here though the actual card is delayed by several weeks.

Yes and Yes! I have known of at least one that passed NCLEX but was denied a license. Yes, this is unusual but can happen. The initial application is reviewed by computer and staff if necessary then Authorization To Test is issued. Once NCLEX is passed, if no flags (arrests, etc.) computer issues license number. If there are flags, staff reviews and have guidelines for which ones they can approve and those they must refer to the actual full BON members for review and approval. Depending on the issue, some are not approved. Every state requires a license. Passing NCLEX is a requirement of licensure just like graduating from an approved program. Just as graduating from an approved program doesn't give you the ability to practice as a nurse, neither does passing NCLEX. Close, but you must wait for the cigar.