Do you recommend getting a job as a graduate nurse, or focusing on the NCLEX

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I am a fresh graduate who just got my GN status and I am trying to decide whether to seek employment for the short amount of time I am allowed to be a GN or to just focus on my NCLEX. I want to pass the first time out of course, and I am trying to figure out if being a GN would just put undue pressure on me while I should be focusing on my NCLEX. I am also worried I may not stay employed with that particular hospital since it is pretty far away, but they are the only one who was accepting GNs. Any advice for a new grad?

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

Moved to nursing first job assistance forum. Many employers shy away from hiring new grads that are GNs and not yet licensed. You can apply but I'd focus on the NCLEX in the interim.

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It may take quite a while to find a job -- I would go ahead and start the process now. However, the sooner you can pass the NCLEX and get licensed the better. It's certainly possible to do both at the same time.

Best wishes!

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Thank you. I did not see this forum, its very helpful.

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I got a job and studied while in orientation.:yes:

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When I was in school, we were told to start applying a few months before graduation. Many hospitals go through hiring cycles around the end of semesters. If you wait until you pass the NCLEX, you will likely miss the hiring cycle. However, my only experience is in acute care. If your plan is to work in LTC or any other facility, I'm clueless! ;)

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I'd have to agree w/ nursejami. It varies from hospital to hospital. So, I'd research the hospitals' website (or call if there's no info regarding this...) for when to apply as a new grad and what are the requirements...this applies to hospitals that you are willing to work at or interested in working. I applied and was hired before I graduated and I'm currently studying for the NCLEX. Good luck w/ your decision.

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Specializes in ICU.

I'd say getting a job should be priority! Most places around here hire well in advance of passing boards and graduating... with of course the understanding that if you don't graduate and don't pass boards offers will be rescinded. Also, new grad programs can take months to hire new people because they have so many new grad applicants to wade through, so I'd apply ASAP!

One of the new grad positions I applied for only accepted applications through mid-April and the job doesn't start until October. It's crazy.

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Where do y'all live that they will hire you as a RN before getting a license? I got straight A's in nursing school and have several connections and the hospitals are being very strict about only hiring a GN if there is no license yet, and even that does not guarantee a spot as a RN. That is very unsettling lol. Hopefully I will find a position pretty quick! For now I am trying to focus on my NCLEX because my GN status isn't even in yet. Thanks so much y'all :)

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Specializes in ICU.
Where do y'all live that they will hire you as a RN before getting a license? I got straight A's in nursing school and have several connections and the hospitals are being very strict about only hiring a GN if there is no license yet, and even that does not guarantee a spot as a RN. That is very unsettling lol. Hopefully I will find a position pretty quick! For now I am trying to focus on my NCLEX because my GN status isn't even in yet. Thanks so much y'all :)

The thing is, you are not allowed to work until you have your license, but employers hire months in advance of you getting your license. It's not like you can apply, get a job, and start working right away. All of the jobs I applied to were like this, and I applied to many hospitals in VA, NC, SC, and GA, but I specifically applied to new grad positions to make sure I had the best chance of getting hired. None of the hospitals I applied to have GN positions at all and you have to have your RN before even starting your orientation, but by the time you have your license you can't apply anymore, unless you're willing to wait for next spring or summer's openings.

To give you an idea of the timeline, the hospital I currently work for only took applications for new graduate RNs for June and August start dates through March 1st of this year. I had applied in January, and I interviewed on March 12th for a position that starts June 24th. I happened to not get that job, but at least I got hired somewhere else. xD This same hospital is re-opening applications for the December graduating cohort in September. Interviews will probably be in November/December and the job starts in February. So if I had waited until I had passed the NCLEX, which I took yesterday, there would be almost nine months between passing boards and my start date, which is too long to be unemployed IMO. That's why you apply long before you take boards. I hope this helped clarify the way a lot of hospitals hire new grads for you!

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I started applying for jobs in June (August graduation), and was hired as an intern. Had I not passed my boards, I would have been demoted to a secretarial position :unsure:

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