After we finish with our degree programs are we allowed to work in a RN setting?

AngelicNurse2B · Feb 1, 2002

well, I'm by no means an expert on any of this stuff, but I am pretty sure that you must pass the NCLEX and have your RN license in order to work as an RN. Until then, I'm not aware of any position you can have (other than other things you might be certified for, like CNA or something).

BrandyBSN · Feb 1, 2002

Actually, You can, depending on your state board of nursing. I can tell you what it is like in Missouri, but you will have to contact your own SBONs to find out the particulars in your state.

I graduate in May 18th. I have already accepted a job as a "Graduate Nurse". I make the same salary that an RN would make. I can work as a graduate nurse for 3 months to the day after I graduated, or until I pass (or fail) the NCLEX. Upon passing, I become an RN, but if I fail the NCLEX (regardless of rather 3 months have passed) I will no longer be able to legally work as a Graduate Nurse, and can risk disciplinary action if I would continue to do so.

Most states (that I know of) offer new graduate nurses a period of 3 months in order to secure employment, take the NCLEX, and pass. Check with your state board of nursing to find out about regulations in your state of licensure.

BrandyBSN

NurseDixie · Feb 1, 2002

In the hospital where I used to work, the new graduates were known as GN's (graduate nurses),until they passed their boards .They were basically allowed to do almost everything that an RN could do except for being in charge of the unit. At least that's how it used to be.

AngelicNurse2B · Feb 1, 2002

Color me wrong! Wow, that is good to know. I sure would hate to fail the NCLEX if I was in that situation, though! Obviously I would hate to fail it in any case but that would be mortifying!

RN-PA, RN · Feb 1, 2002

I got a job at a LTC facility in PA and started my job as a GN a week after I took the NCLEX in July '93. I think it was the last year it was offered as a written exam (rather than computer) and I didn't find out I'd passed until sometime in November. I did everything an RN would do as a GN, and for a few of my classmates who failed, they had to work as aides until they finally passed the NCLEX.

crnasomeday · Feb 1, 2002

Brandy's exactly right abou t that in MO. Same for IL too. I have a job I'll be starting as soon as I graduate. You can work as a GN for up to three months, and at that time you have to have taken and passed boards to continue in a nursing role. Otherwise you get demoted to a PCA (where I work) and you make PCA pay until you pass boards.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Feb 1, 2002

Brandy BSN is correct. All nursing school graduates are considered Graduate nurses and sign as their title GN until they take and pass the NCLEX exam a. Each state varies in how long graduate nurses may practice until exam results known. All graduate nurses practice under the supervision of an RN and are permitted to perform the same functions as an RN.

If you fail the NCLEX, ecah state has a different procedure ---some are immediately changed to a rtechnician status,,,some have three tries to pass exam.

Here are PA's rules...

21.27. Unlicensed candidate.

The candidate may practice as a graduate nurse until the licensing examination is passed subject to the following:

(1) Unless licensed, the candidate may be employed as a graduate nurse for 1 year only from the date of completion of a nursing program except in the case where special permission is granted by the Board due to extenuating circumstances. In such a case the candidate shall present validating documentation.

(2) The candidate shall practice under the supervision of an experienced registered nurse. ''Supervision,'' as used in this paragraph, means that the registered nurse is physically present in the area or unit where the unlicensed candidate is practicing.