Dumb Question?

[RNin2007]

Ok there is no such thing right?

I know that last year a lot of the seniors in my program had jobs lined up right before they graduated. How does that work exactly...the period of time when you are just graduating until you take your boards and become a licensed RN? Is your payscale different upon hiring? Are there certain tasks you cannot do until you pass boards? Can someone explain this to me? I am now a senior who needs to figure this out.

Thanks!!

~J

[kayjo]

In Kansas, we have to show some proof that we are no longer students (like the graduation program with our name listed on it), then we become "transition techs" - once we receive notice that we are eligible to take the state boards, we pass that announcement onto HR, and our title is changed to Graduate Nurse. Once we pass the NCLEX, we are finally RNs.

We can start orienting on the unit as soon as we show proof of graduating. I think we get 2 chances to pass state boards before we're booted out.

[medsurgnights]

I have seen your posts on the Oregon forum, so am going to assume you are asking about Oregon (sorry if I'm wrong here!). We don't have the GN option in this state. The BON here does process ATI and licensing very quickly in most cases. If your program releases your transcripts as a likely graduate prior to graduation, you will have a test # and can schedule your NCLEX before graduating, and then it is void if you don't actually graduate. I took the NCLEX 2 days after graduating and was licensed by the 4th day after graduating. A number of us had jobs lined up because the new grad applications for area hospitals were due prior to graduation. Those accepted could not actually work as nurses until licensed. Some of us worked as techs to get exposure until licensing. Hope this info helps and that it is applicable to your area of work!