Published Nov 26, 2013
jsbartl
18 Posts
Hi everyone I am in a ****** situation it seems like. I really need some advice. I am a 23 year old male who graduates with an associates degree in 2 weeks and hoping to take the NCLEX on December 23rd. My issue is that I work as a nurse intern at my local hospital that I have been a tech at for 2 years, one year med surg and one year ER exp. My problem now is that the internship I took I was under the impression that I was guaranteed a job after graduation. Well that's not true. My hospital also has to fire you if you take the NCLEX and receive an RN degree bc they don't want you to work under your license. So I am stuck in limbo bc the hospitals I have applied for won't look at my application until I get my license number. The hospital I am at has like 5 openings and I have applied for them. So far no luck for an interview. Now I cannot prolong my NCLEX bc I want to apply for an RN/BSN program for fall 2014 but the deadline is January 15th so I can't put off the NCLEX. Now I just had an interview with an urgent care that may give me an offer. My problem is that my preceptor is telling me not to go to urgent care. I need help! I need a job and people are telling me not to go to urgent care. He said I should just wait to get a job at a hospital first. I'd rather have that but I have not gotten anything from any hospital. Lhasa anyone been in a situation like mine? Also I am in Maryland. Does anyone know what a new grad would potentially make in MD? Thanks for any help!
HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD
9,051 Posts
Unless your preceptor is going to pay you a salary, you need to do what makes sense for your own financial situation. Take your NCLEX as quickly as you can... you will do much better than if you delay (lots of data to support this). You NEED that BSN so that should be a very high priority for you. Remember that accepting a job does not mean you can not leave if something better comes along.... particularly if you are a new grad.
Congratulations on your graduation next month! Best wishes on NCLEX & kickstarting your career.