Graduate Nurse, but treated as an Aide

[rplumback]

I graduated from nursing school the first of May, and took my boards the end of May. I was working with an RN, learning the ropes, until I didn't pass my boards. Now I have to wait 45 days, and during this time, all my hospital will let me do is Aide work. Talk about feeling like a red-headed step child! I am still working at my aide pay until I pass boards. Does anyone else work in a backwards place like mine? Needless to say, I've been applying to other area hospitals that will employ me as a GN and pay me the RN wage. Thanks!

[RNorBust]

I think that all states have the rule that if you dont pass you cannot work as a GN... What that hospital is doing is actually against the nurse practice act.

[MrsGPR]

I am told the NCLEX measures whether you are minimally safe...

Perhaps this is the rationale behind their decision.

This must be an awful experience for you - to have to work as an aide after you've worked so hard to finish nursing school. Keep in mind the hospital is probably just covering themselves as far as the law is concerned but they seem to still have faith in you that you'll do well in the future.

This experience doesn't have to be a bad one. It's all about perception! Sure, it bites, but you can make lemonade out of it!

You are still gaining valuable experience some of which can be used to draw from when you take the boards. (Many people I know say that first hand experience helped with some of the NCLEX scenarios.)

So, again, while it may SUCK! - it will build character:lol2: - and you can always come back here and vent when you need to!!

Best of Luck to You!