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

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I just passed NCLEX this week. Wondering if i can get a job without license

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

In NJ you can receive your ATT/take the NCLEX but you are NOT eligible to practice as an RN or LPN until a license is issued. Passing the NCLEX is only one requirement for licensure. The ATT is issued based upon completion of the application, certification from the school that you completed an approved program, and payment of fee to BON. The fingerprinting and background check may be done before or after the NCLEX is taken. Several have passed the NCLEX but denied a license or issued a restricted license due to findings from the state and federal background check.

It seems in some states the NCLEX is the last step in gaining a license (as the background check is completed before an ATT is issued I guess?), so in those states passing NCLEX = license a few days later. But not in all states.

Either way, my license is still pending but I passed the NCLEX. I've gotten a few interviews but the offer of employment is contingent on being issued an active, unrestricted nursing license.

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.

If you just needed to pass the NCLEX-you would be able to practice in all 50 states...but no, stop and think..you need to apply for licenses in every state you would like to move and work in, so you need a license as well as proof of passing the NCLEX. (there are compact states, I know, I am just making a point)

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I just passed NCLEX this week. Wondering if i can get a job without license

Sure you can. I was hired for my first nursing position two months before I even graduated from nursing school. After I graduated, I practiced as a GN for about a week and a half, until I had taken NCLEX and verified that I had passed.

My state does not do paper licenses anymore, everything is verified online. I would think that you could get a position as a GN if nothing else, while you're waiting for your official license to come in the mail if you live in a state that still does them.

Congratulations!

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.

But you're right Pedinurse...I also worked as a GN (about thousand years ago) before my NCLEX exam was graded...that's when we took it with pencil and paper-it took 2 whole days, It was divided up into 4 segments. I think each part had about 250 questions on it...I remember at the end of the last day, finishing up and thinking that my brains were leaking out of my ears.....that was the last year before it became computerized.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.
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.

Sounds the same in Illinois.

Back in the last century, a graduate could start work as RN-LP after taking boards. This was back in the pre-internet days when tests were taken twice a year in huge halls over 2 days & answers were entered on Scantron forms. Took 2-3 months to know if you passed or not.

With the instant pass-fail, & much faster turn-around time now, the applicant can't work as a nurse till they have their license in hand. But they could certainly start looking while waiting.

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Sounds the same in Illinois.

Back in the last century, a graduate could start work as RN-LP after taking boards. This was back in the pre-internet days when tests were taken twice a year in huge halls over 2 days & answers were entered on Scantron forms. Took 2-3 months to know if you passed or not.

With the instant pass-fail, & much faster turn-around time now, the applicant can't work as a nurse till they have their license in hand. But they could certainly start looking while waiting.

Actually, I worked as a GN before taking boards, in IL. Same huge rooms of 1500 students...4 parts of the test- 2 each day. You got to work as a GN until board results were "out"....if you hadn't passed, oh well- you just stopped working as a GN. When moving to a different state there were temporary permits- don't know if those exist anymore.

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.
Actually, I worked as a GN before taking boards, in IL. Same huge rooms of 1500 students...4 parts of the test- 2 each day. You got to work as a GN until board results were "out"....if you hadn't passed, oh well- you just stopped working as a GN. When moving to a different state there were temporary permits- don't know if those exist anymore.

boy, you must be really old to have taken the test like that:D.....(read my former post, teehee)

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

In my area you have to have your Actual Lic. number before you can even apply for a job.

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boy, you must be really old to have taken the test like that:D.....(read my former post, teehee)

No more birthdays- I"m now carbon dated :D

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But you're right Pedinurse...I also worked as a GN (about thousand years ago) before my NCLEX exam was graded...that's when we took it with pencil and paper-it took 2 whole days, It was divided up into 4 segments. I think each part had about 250 questions on it...I remember at the end of the last day, finishing up and thinking that my brains were leaking out of my ears.....that was the last year before it became computerized.

Like the commercial says "Look there is the elder that speaks of floppy disks......":smokin:

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.
Like the commercial says "Look there is the elder that speaks of floppy disks......":smokin:

That's right and as he replies..."you're all soft!":cool:

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
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

I don't think that's what she was asking. I think she means "Do you need a hard copy of your license to practice?" She's already made it clear she passed NCLEX.

Yikes. I'm not known for being a "softie," but even I thought that was way harsh.

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