Dumb Question?

hlfpnt, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2006

Most facilities will hire you on at "GN" (Graduate Nurse) status until you take boards. That's when you have a temporary license through the state for a certian amount of time. Not sure if each state varies on this. Try calling the nurse recruiters of the hospitals you want to apply to. They will tell you when they will start accepting applications & resumes for the up coming GN programs. They will also give you details on pay scales, benefits, etc. I don't know about where you are, but in this area most facilities hire at GN pay & give a raise when you pass boards...the recruiters can answer that for you, too. As far as performing certian tasks...I suppose that would depend on facility & maybe even state protocols. Hope this helps, good luck to you! :)

P.S.

The only "dumb" question is the one you DON'T ask!

truern · Oct 29, 2006

I'm in NC and we don't have GN status. I was hired before graduation, but had to wait until I passed NCLEX to begin orientation.

RNin2007 · Oct 29, 2006

Interesting, thank you....this was very helpful. I didn't realize it could differ from state to state as well.

~J

GeminiTwinRN, BSN · Oct 29, 2006

In the state I live, we are given the title "RNA" after graduation and before passing NCLEX. (registered nurse applicant). This status is good for 6 months initially, with an extension of 30 days available for valid (usually medical reasons). We have to complete 120 hours of preceptor work (not the same as the 120 hours as during school) that is paid by the hospial or facility that you work.

After we complete the 120 hours after graduation, we can then apply for our ATT and then take the NCLEX. After that (PASS!) our title changes to RN.

As for having the jobs lined up before graduation, I certainly hope to, but there aren't any guarantees, and graduation is Dec. 16th for us.

Good luck!

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 31, 2006

Where I live we have GN's. We are allowed to function as full RN's, including all meds, treatments, etc...... We have 90 days to take (and pass) our NCLEX from the time we graduate or we loose our GN status and in most places, your job. I do not get a pay raise when I graduate - what I start at is what I make until the annual cost of living raises each year - which is every Nov.

BSNtobe2009 · Oct 31, 2006

I'm in NC and we don't have GN status. I was hired before graduation, but had to wait until I passed NCLEX to begin orientation.

I could have swore I read somewhere, in NC you could work after graduation for up to 6 months under a provisional license until you passed your state boards.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Oct 31, 2006

I'm in NC and we don't have GN status. I was hired before graduation, but had to wait until I passed NCLEX to begin orientation.

Ditto. No GN status in Az either. I was offered a position in March which I accepted, but couldn't begin to work until I had a license number (June). I took my NCLEX on a Tuesday, and had my physical license in hand by Friday (but I had my license number Wednesday morning).

truern · Oct 31, 2006

I could have swore I read somewhere, in NC you could work after graduation for up to 6 months under a provisional license until you passed your state boards.

You read wrong, sorry.

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Nov 1, 2006

There's no GN status in MA. Most of my classmates worked as aides so they were able to get jobs after passing the boards. I was an aide too, but unfortunately didn't get anything at the hospital I worked at. But I just got a new job and I'll be starting next week. Really hard to find new grad opportunities in MA!

GrnHonu99, RN · Nov 7, 2006

Interesting, thank you....this was very helpful. I didn't realize it could differ from state to state as well.
~J

It does. In my state: AZ....you can work as a nurse (sort of) before you pass NCLEX but you can't pass meds. At least thats the way it works at my hospital. I havent taken NCLEX yet but I have been orientating for about 8 weeks. I take NCLEX in 2 weeks. The hospital prefers that you take boards within 4 weeks of hire but unfort. for me my transcripts were delayed. I interviewed and got the job in May and graduated August 18th. I started orientation Sept. 5 and I'm taking NCLEX Nov 21. If my transcripts werent held up I could have taken it about 2 weeks ago.

Imafloat, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2006

I was hired before graduation, I can't start until I pass my NCLEX. Orientation is Dec 11 if I am able to test/get results before then, otherwise I have to wait until January. If I am unsuccesful in my NCLEX attempt I will be allowed to work as a PCT until I pass.