How far behind am I?

[NurseMarla]

As I mentioned yesterday, I just took the NCLEX on Thursday and am waiting for my results. I graduated in December, but the BON managed to lose my paperwork... twice. On top of that I have a DUI from several years ago, which is slowing the process even more.

I applied to the 2 New Grad programs near me that I qualified for; the others require a licence. I'm the type of person that doesn't like to count chickens before they hatch, so I've put off applying to other RN positions until I know for certain whether I can expect a license within a reasonable amount of time. I did apply for a few tech and unit secretary positions to fill the time, but I hated the idea of getting a job I would have to quit at any moment (as did HR, apparantly- they had no interest in me).

I guess my question is this: Am I lagging miserably behind? Am I even on the right path? Am I the first RN candidate in history to have 4 months of sweatpants-clad couch surfing separating graduation and an earnest job search?

[carluvscats]

Ummmmm, no, you're not. I graduated with my RN last May, waited until October (serious lack of motivation to study!) to take boards and didn't get a job until December. And, it is not the perfect job or what I thought I'd be doing as a new nurse.....the economy took a dive, though, so I thought I'd be smart and at least start working.... as a nurse, at the very least!

So while you are not in an ideal position, all is certainly not lost and I think you'll be able to play catch-up in no time at all. In the whole scheme of what you are trying to accomplish, 4 months is really not that long.

I wish you the best in your career! :)

[keigei]

Don't sweat it and if your state participates in quick results (go to your state board of nursing website to find out) you can see if you passed and make your plans from there. I am the same way, I have to plan 50 years ahead! Good luck.