GRADUATED!!! Do I call myself RN yet?

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I just graduated as a Registered Nurse!! ADN... I worked my butt off working and going to school! God is good..my question is can I call myself a Registered nurse yet? I'm not scheduled to take my boards yet, school has to send my completion program paper work. I feel so uncomfortable calling myself that already. I'm a LPN already so its a change. I know to work as a licensed RN I have to the NCLEX but people keep asking me what I am and Im confused on if I can say it? haha

Thank you

Specializes in CCRN, ED, Unit Manager.

I wonder if we graduated from the same program... lol

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Graduate Nurse...

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

I graduated a couple of weeks ago. I tell people I'm a graduate nurse. I refuse to call myself a registered nurse until I have earned that title by passing the NCLEX.

Soon!!

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I just graduated as a Registered Nurse!! ADN... my question is can I call myself a Registered nurse yet? I'm not scheduled to take my boards yet
Since you raise the issue:

You didn't graduate as a Registered Nurse, you earned an Associate of (Arts or Science) in Nursing. To be a 'Registered' nurse means that you are approved by the BRN to practice as a nurse... your degree does not confer the authority to practice.

To be 'Registered' means that you have a license to practice... which you don't (yet).

Soon, though.

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Passing the NCLEX still doesn't make one a 'Registered Nurse.'

That only happens by jumping through ALL the hoops... education, NCLEX, background, fees...

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after the nclex then you're an rn

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

However you were approved to LEGALLY sign your name in the job in which you were hired to do in nursing, that's what you are. Once you are issued a license to support what you tell others, THEN it becomes official. HOWEVER, you cannot sign your name with the RN title UNTIL you've made that all-important visit through your manager and human resources because if they don't change your status, maybe due to lack of an available position, your current status remains (with them anyway).

So basically, your answer is not just NO, it will still be NO under this and other previous examples as well until you receive the license and provide a copy to the powers that be and your records are updated.

First things first, good luck on the NCLEX!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

say "graduate nurse" and then explain the licensure thingy if you have to. SOON this will not be an issue. Congratulations

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thanks!.. Excited to take the NCLEX.... finally the last test EVER...! My school was amazing and I love the prep we got to prepare us. I just ordered my ADN PIN.. amazing how such a small little thing like a pin could mean so much to you.. :( :)~!!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
thanks!.. Excited to take the NCLEX.... finally the last test EVER...! My school was amazing and I love the prep we got to prepare us. I just ordered my ADN PIN.. amazing how such a small little thing like a pin could mean so much to you.. :( :)~!!

It won't likely be the last test you ever take... but it may be one of the hardest you'll ever have to take. Any tests after that, and getting your RN license are for showing competence in some area of nursing or medicine, but not for the right to legally call yourself "Registered Nurse."

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I just graduated as a Registered Nurse!! ADN... I worked my butt off working and going to school! God is good..my question is can I call myself a Registered nurse yet? I'm not scheduled to take my boards yet, school has to send my completion program paper work. I feel so uncomfortable calling myself that already. I'm a LPN already so its a change. I know to work as a licensed RN I have to the NCLEX but people keep asking me what I am and Im confused on if I can say it? haha

Thank you

First and foremost, congrats! Whoo-Hoo!

Secondly a quick check with your state's BON should sort out your query.

Here is how it is done in New York State:

What is the correct title for graduates of nursing schools who hold a limited permit issued by the New York State Education Department?

Answer: The correct title for a graduate of a Licensed Practical Nurse education program who holds a limited permit is Graduate Practical Nurse (GPN). The correct title for a graduate of a Registered Professional Nurse education program who holds a limited permit is Graduate Nurse (GN). This title must be displayed on the GPN's or GN's identification badge and must also be used when signing patient records.

source: NYS Nursing:Practice Information:FAQ

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