Is it possible to work as an RN on a temp license while waiting to take the NCLEX-RN?

elkpark · Feb 23, 2008

Once you have graduated from your nursing program and have applied for licensure, many states will issue you a temporary permit to practice before you actually pass the NCLEX and get licensed. This is often referred to as "graduate nurse" ("GN") status, and there are some limitations on practice (some things you're not allowed to do, and you must be supervised by an RN). Not all states offer this anymore. Even in the states that do, many employers will no longer hire GNs, and just wait until you are officially licensed.

I'm sure that the website of your state BON has info about whether this is an option in your state.

suanna · Feb 23, 2008

This practice was farily common when NCLEX was offered twice a year at a testing center and you had to wait 2-3 mos for your results. I graduate nurse could end up without a licence for 3-6mos post graduation (or longer if they chose to take a prep course before testing and took the 2nd test for the year). From what I remember you could practice as a GN for 6mos.

With the new computer based exam and turn around to results in days I haven't seen this practiced as much.

Can you still do it? I don't know. Can you find a job as a GN not very likely from what I have seen.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2008

Most places will not let you "work as a nurse" alone but will let you "orient as a nurse with a licensed person as your preceptor". During this time you can do the things the licensed nurse does, such as pass meds, etc.

Here in Florida, immediately have graduation you apply to the state to take NCLEX. They will issue you a "sit pass" which states you meet the criteria to take NCLEX. Once you have this sit pass you can orient as a nurse. You must take NCLEX within a certain period of time, and if you fail you're nursing priviledges immediately end.