job before NCLEX

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I have my CNA but haven't worked as one. I will graduate in may and I'm thinking about getting a job before i pass my NCLEX would you suggest getting a new job before the NCLEX or would you suggest that i wait until I pass the NCLEX?

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I have gone over this and talked to people about it. I decided to go for a graduate nurse position so I can continue to gain experience while waiting to take the NCLEX. Our school gave us applications for temporary permits. If you fail the NCLEX, they take your permit away and you can't work as a graduate nurse. But to me, it's worth taking the chance because it is going to give me experience I would not have had otherwise. My SIL did it and she said there were questions on the NCLEX she wouldn't have known if it weren't for her Graduate Nurse experience.

HTH.

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thanks for your advice, is is very helpful.

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Specializes in Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.

If you fail the NCLEX as a Graduate Nurse what happens?

Do you lose your job? Or do they just decrease your pay?

If someone could clear that up that would be great! Im kind of confused on the situation...

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As far as I know, you lose your temporary permit to practice if you fail. I guess you have to take another position while waiting to take your boards again.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
If you fail the NCLEX as a Graduate Nurse what happens?

Do you lose your job? Or do they just decrease your pay?

If someone could clear that up that would be great! Im kind of confused on the situation...

If a GN fails NCLEX, s/he must immediately notify the employer and cease practicing as a GN. Many facilities will continue to employ the candidate in a nurse tech position while they prepare and re-take boards.

Remember, failing NCLEX is the exception, not the rule. Over 80% of candidates pass on the first try. In my opinion, working as a GN is the best preparation for NCLEX. If your state allows it, I would highly recommend doing so.

Good luck!

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Thanks so much for you advise. I will definately take that into cosideration.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Oncology/Telemetry/ICU.

i got a job as a gn when i graduated before i took the nclex and worked for just under a month before i took (and passed :D) my boards.

the only thing that was stressfull about that situation was having to study for the test and work at the same time as well as make time for the kaplan classes i took. other than that, it was fine.

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Specializes in L&D.

I'm going to be working as a GN for a short period until I take the NCLEX. Not thrilled about having to work AND study but I don't feel ready to take the NCLEX right away.

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