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Discussion

graduating...

I was just wondering about something. I am going to be a senior this year in a BSN program. I know that even as early as November, hospitals are going to be sending nursing recruiters our way to try and set us up with jobs. I know many seniors who graduated last year had jobs secured well before they graduated and well before they took the NCLEX. However, I really really don't want to go this route for 2 reasons: a)I hate the thought of going to work as a GN, failing the NCLEX and having to face my coworkers. I'd much rather just graduate from school, take the NCLEX, and THEN apply for jobs with my RN license already obtained. b)I plan on traveling to Spain next summer. Kind of a "last hurrah" before entering the real world. So ideally, I'd like to graduate in May, study for the NCLEX over the summer, and take it when it is offered toward the end of August, and then apply for jobs once I pass (assuming I pass the first time). Basically, I am curious as to whether this plan would be a check against me in hiring me as a nurse? Is it really preferable to start working as a GN DIRECTLY out of nursing school? Will waiting these few months really hurt me? Would I be missing orientations for GNs at hospitals? or are you just placed wit ha preceptor on your floor whenever you are hired? I'm just so confused and don't want to ask my teachers because the yare all for "findin a job ASAP!!!"

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

*I should add that even now, in August, when I go to websites for many of the hospitals, under "current positions" there are many up for different depatments and it says that GNs may apply.

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Well, I did exactly as you are planning (minus Spain, lol): I graduated in May, took a review course and took NCLEX late July so I had my license number in hand when I began to drop off applications :) I have no intention of starting before mid-september. Orientations around here begin every single month.

No, it was not a "ding" in any way whatsover. HOWEVER, I DID find that many of the more desirable spots, many GN (or no experience RN) spots were already filled. I still had good choices to choose from, however, and would have had MORE choices if *I* had been more flexible.

Even so, getting a job later in summer isn't a problem. Actually, I had HR at two hospitals tell me that they expected to see alot of people just like me--new RNs in hand in August--because that's the pattern they usually see.

People often take time off after NS to regroup. :)

Some of our professors said your chances of passing the NCLEX drop dramatically the longer you wait to take the NCLEX. I would take it before I went over seas and look for a job when you get back.

Some of our professors said your chances of passing the NCLEX drop dramatically the longer you wait to take the NCLEX. I would take it before I went over seas and look for a job when you get back.

The OP isn't talking about delaying the NCLEX, just the start-time for employment; taking the exam in August isn't a delay :) Many times, you can't even get your ATT and test date scheduled for before then because of the thousands of applicants also needing to test.

Waiting six months, yeah, that's a delay ;)

At the hospital I work at you cannot be apart of the new grad program if you have been out of school more than 6 months.

Some of our professors said your chances of passing the NCLEX drop dramatically the longer you wait to take the NCLEX. I would take it before I went over seas and look for a job when you get back.

I agree with the poster who said that the OP isn't delaying the NCLEX. But I agree with the last part that you said, too. I think if it were me, I'd take the test before I traveled just so I'd be able to enjoy the trip more. :D

I'd take the test before I left for the summer too.

I got my ATT 3 days after I graduated, and could take the test that week if I wished. I definatley wouldn't prolong it. Enjoy Spain without worry of studying for the test!

It really does depend on the particular hospital. At my hospital new grad orientations are only offered 2 times a year. Many of the choice spots get taken fairly quickly and they also offer a free 4 day NCLEX review. I myself really didn't want any time off after nursing school, because I figured it would be that much harder to get back into the swing of things. Ultimately, it's a very personal choice-if you just want to do med/surg, you may be OK, but if you are interested in a specialty area, it may be hard to find a spot. Best of luck to you!

I graduated end of April, Went on a week cruise at the end of May, started a GN position in June, took NCLEX in July, passed it with 75 questions in under an hour. I enjoyed the time off and really didn't have many worries about passing the exam. Although, I would have taken the NCLEX earlier if I could have. I would have taken it in May before my vacation. My ATT came late for me.

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