Hospital requires you to pass Nclex on first try.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2016

My job offer would have been revoked if I failed my RN exam. There's more applicants than positions so employers can easily find someone else.

AspiringNurseMW · Jun 24, 2016

I live in an area where there still is a nursing shortage. GN positions are abundant. But if you fail the job is rescinded, although some facilities will allow you to work as a CNA and then you can reapply when you pass.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2016

My sister in law, just got her BSN, and she is working as a student nurse at a veterans hospital in California. She was shocked when they said if she does not pass her Nclex on the first test that they would not hire her as a real full time employee. I have never heard of that before. I think it is wrong if you pass, you pass it shouldn't matter how many times you have taken it. Also, when you apply for jobs, are they able to see how many times you have taken the test?

I fail to understand why this is shocking. New grad positions are offered contingent upon the new grad passing NCLEX and obtaining a valid license prior to the start date. There's a 45 day waiting period before you can re-take the exam if you fail. New grads are a dime a dozen and none are that desired that a facility will hold a nursing position for them (that could easily be filled by a licensed nurse) if they fail to obtain a license.

DoGoodThenGo · Jun 25, 2016

My sister in law, just got her BSN, and she is working as a student nurse at a veterans hospital in California. She was shocked when they said if she does not pass her Nclex on the first test that they would not hire her as a real full time employee. I have never heard of that before. I think it is wrong if you pass, you pass it shouldn't matter how many times you have taken it. Also, when you apply for jobs, are they able to see how many times you have taken the test?

From NYS:

"A limited permit authorizes an individual who has met all requirements for licensure as a registered professional nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) except the licensing examination to practice as an RN or LPN provided that the individual is under the immediate and personal supervision of a licensed, currently registered, professional nurse, with the endorsement of the employer. "

http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/nursing.htm

There you have your answer. A GN causes all sorts of issues that places today just aren't willing to put up with for long.

Things were different back in the days of pencil and paper state boards that were given once or twice per year, and results took weeks if not months to get back. The long wait time coupled with almost an often chronic shortage of nurses meant facilities had to be flexible. Not every new grad took her or his state boards at once after graduation. Some waited for the next testing date meanwhile they got married, had babies, studied, etc... all while often working.

Even with the restrictions placed upon a GN the extra set of hands were appreciated and often needed. Plus places often had the luxury of staffing that allowed for the "individual and personal" supervision required by statue.

Fast forward to today where the NCLEX is given like clockwork and results come back in a few weeks or less, there isn't a true need to hire a GN, and certainly not keep her or him on (even if in another capacity) until licensed. If a place is going to invest scarce resources in hiring and training a new graduate nurse far better for her or him to be at least licensed. With that firecracker lit and gone off it only remains from the new grad to get through orientation.

Back in the day when GN orientation often stretched for months places perhaps could afford to "wait". Today where you have some places giving barely a few weeks before scheduling a newly licensed nurse to be on her or his own, taking on someone with a limited permit just won't work.