GN or RN out of the gate?

tina1997 · May 23, 2012

In my opinion, if you should take a position as a GN and you do not pass the nclex on your first try, you would have to resign and would not be eligible for the position until you actually pass the nclex. That could be potentially damaging to your career with the organization and of course embarrassing personally. I waited until I completed the kaplan course and felt comfortable and confident. Two months after I graduated I took the nclex and passed. At that point I applied to positions and got a a job within a month. My advice is to be patient and think things through before just jumping in. After all, that is what we, as nurses do...we need to contemplate and think through things before we make a move, right?!!

On the other hand, if you have the opportunity to take a position as a GN, you do have a year to study and work and learn your stuff before you take the nclex. If you are confident with your testing skills and want to risk it, by all means, go for it!

Whatever you choose, I truly wish you all the best! School is hard...being a nurse is very hard work, physically, emotionally and intellectually...good luck!

nyteshade, BSN · May 23, 2012

Neither right now (if I understood that correctly). A GN implies that you've graduated already, and the RN is licensed and ready to roll. You may be able to work as a GN if your particular state allows it, not every state allows this anymore.

Apply for RN positions after you get your license number.

If you want to get your foot in the door now, you could apply for PCA positions or see if your school has elective classes to get more clinical time with a floor nurse for a few weeks. I sometimes see job listings for "student nurse externs/interns", although I'm not quite sure what that means...

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · May 23, 2012

You apply as a GN (gradute nurse) after you have graduated school and until you have passed the NCLEX. Most GN jobs will give you a time frame of when you need to submit your application. You can apply as a GN a couple of months before you graduate, but you can't start working until after you graduate Once you have a license then you are no longer a GN and have to apply for RN positions.

The best thing to do to help yourself be hired as an RN is to get a job now in a hospital as a CNA or PCT. havin your foot in the door will be a big advantage, as most hospitals prefer to hire internally.