Interviewing prior to NCLEX

[MissyNik]

Is it something wrong with interviewing with a hospital prior to taking NCLEX? Im not sure I see how its an issue when a hospital wants to set up an interview with a candidate. The candidate works for that same hospital system in their clinics as an MA. Is there some policy that says you shouldn't interview before taking NCLEX? Thanks for your input, greatly appreciated!

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Nope. It is done all the time. This is how people get jobs before they have actually graduated from nursing school. Not every institution is interested in interviewing people prior to NCLEX, but if you have been asked to interview by one who is, go for it. There is no reason at all not to.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

we interview before NCLEX and most of the time we have successful candidates. If someone is not successful they are not allowed in Texas to re-test for more than a month, so the candidate either takes a non-licensed position (like CNA, tech) or waits and returns later.

[MissyNik]

classicdame are these candidates that already worked for the facility as techs/CNA or are these new hired grad nurses? So if someone was not already working for this hospital and applied for RN position, got hired based on possible pass then failed, they offered position for different job? I thought they only did that for applicants who worked for them as tech, CNA, etc..........

[MissM.RN, BSN, RN]

I interviewed and accepted an icu step down/progressive care position before getting my authorization to test, much less a test date/time. It was fine. Sadly I think my experience is rarer these days (see dozens of threads about new grad - no job).

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I interviewed several times before graduation. I think it was great to have a job before graduation but more stressful for the NCLEX because what will you tell your job if you didn't pass? It worked out in my case.

[MissyNik]

Yea applesxoranges, that's the only downfall to it all.....................but it seems that interviewing and applying for jobs pre-CLEX isn't anything new.

[twinkerrs]

In my state you can get a temp license so a lot of people interview and actually work before they test.

[krisiepoo]

I started applying 2 months before I graduated and would have accepted any interview.

Why are you asking? Just curious

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Facilities see this all the time. "Pending NCLEX" is something they all understand.

[MissyNik]

Im only asking cause someone I know is a nurse and she said I should call to reschedule my interview so I can focus on NCLEX only.

[krisiepoo]

She was probably telling you to spend time studying, but it's asinine to reschedule an interview if you are scheduled for one. It took me a little over a month after the NCLEX to get a job and I was applying for 2 months before I graduated.