Externship with RN license

BKCinNOLA · Apr 17, 2010

I'm nearly positive that you must complete nursing school in its entirety in order to receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) for the NCLEX. Check with your State Board of Nursing and download the application for licensure (it'll probably include a 'proof of graduation' page).

That said, you should definitely try to get a job as a nurse extern/CNA/PCT whatever your hospital labels them. It's a great way to get your foot in the door for post-graduation employment.

Congrats on your last year of nursing school!

maiday · Apr 17, 2010

Hmmm... I will double check, but I've heard from a lot of different people that we can take it after our core requirements are met. I went to the BRN website and it does have a California non graduate option. But it is a little vague... I'll look into it. Some of the instructors have said this is correct also, but they don't recommend it because your license will not say BSN.

In fact, my school has gone back and forth on when they offer the leadership course (last core requirement) because some students supposedly took the NCLEX, got their license and did not continue with the program. But this is all from what people have said... I have not seen any of this information in writing. So I'll double check.

Thank you for your input.

maiday · Apr 17, 2010

Quick update: Just did a search through threads here and it is only in CA that this is an option (as far as I understand). You can take the boards early as long as the core requirements are met... but I guess the license says non-graduate and is not accepted from other states until you update it. CA is weird in everything.

Nursey103, ADN, RN · Apr 17, 2010

I'm in Cali & when I applied to take the NCLEX, they sent a letter back saying I was missing paperwork (graduation paperwork, etc.). I don't think you can take the NCLEX until you've officially graduated from nursing school. We take our final early too but nothing happens until our school sends the BRN the necessary paperwork.

maiday · Apr 17, 2010

I've been sitting here researching these threads (should have done that first, oops) and it seems in CA, you can take the NCLEX early, but will not receive your license until you graduate... except for 2 schools in CA. National University (which is my school) and one other... nobody knew which one.

I guess as long as you fulfill the RN requirements, the BRN will let you take the NCLEX, but it's up to your school to decide whether they allow the license (because they have to send some sort of list). National is one of the schools that will allow you to have your license early.

Trust me... I know it's crazy and confusing. I may not even do it, but I know a lot of my classmates are planning on doing it. I don't know.

Nursey103, ADN, RN · Apr 17, 2010

It's a tough call.......probably a good idea to get the NCLEX out of the way early instead of having to wait 6 months. I believe there is a higher probability of passing if you take it within 3 months of graduating (since the knowledge is still fresh).

You can get your interim permit after you take your classes & it's good up to 6 months or until you get the results of your NCLEX score - whichever is sooner. Some facilities will hire you with your IP. I just don't know about not officially graduating until May - that is strange!

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 18, 2010

contact the hospital offering the externship. the hospital that i did my externship will not take licensed nurses as externs to include lpn/lvns.