How soon can I work as a GPN?

I am about to finish Practical Nursing School. I know there is a frame of time where I can work as a graduate practical nurse before I receive my license, but how soon can I start and what kind of proof do I need? If I don't get my diploma in the mail until July, do I have to wait that long before I work? My graduation was last night and my pinning is next Wednesday. What will I have to show that I've graduated?

I started working at a hospital about two weeks after graduation. I applied for it at about the same time as I graduated. The two weeks were spent playing the waiting game and going back for interviews, etc. They did want the diploma. It seems like they also wanted verification that I was eligible to sit for the NCLEX. I had worked there for about a month when I took the NCLEX and for about two months before I was licensed. I could have taken longer if needed, but I don't know what the time frame was. Won't they give you the diploma at your graduation ceremony? The other paperwork should be easily attainable from your school. I didn't have any problems getting a job without the license.

Hi, Betty!

I'm an RN ADN student in Kansas and I just finished second semester. I will be sitting for the NCLEX-PN exam in June. I was hired on at a local nursing home as a GPN (Graduate Practical Nurse) before I become licensed. The only proof they needed was a letter from the nursing department stating I was eligible to take boards. The Executive Assistant to the Dean of Nursing composed my letter and faxed it over to the hiring company. You can work as a GPN for 90 days. Hope this helps and good luck!

Sherri

Thank you.

I am about to finish Practical Nursing School. I know there is a frame of time where I can work as a graduate practical nurse before I receive my license, but how soon can I start and what kind of proof do I need? If I don't get my diploma in the mail until July, do I have to wait that long before I work? My graduation was last night and my pinning is next Wednesday. What will I have to show that I've graduated?

You can practice as a GPN for 120 days or until you get the results from NCXLEX. Pass-LPN, fail-CNA Just kidding, sure you'll pass.

I'm a GPN, how do i apply for a permit?

As of 2007 or 2008, the state of Kansas does not allow individuals to work as graduate nurses, you cannot have any of the responsibilities or duties of a nurse until you are licensed. This sucks, but I guess too many people were going out there and working, then putting off taking the test or failing it when they did. My cousin has been an LPN for like 5-6 years and she worked for months before taking her NCLEX, but I graduated in December of 2008 but couldn't work until Feb when I passed my boards. This was an old thread from before the laws changed.

You are correct Heather. No more working as a GPN in the state of Kansas.