just a question

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I took the NCLEX for the first time and failed. Its been over a month and i'm registered to retake them next week--very nervous. I hope I pass. but i guess my question is if I do not pass is there anything else I can do with my degree? I'm going to have to begin to repay my student loans and it will be hard to do with my $6 dollar an hr job. I graduated with a bachelor of science in nursing (4 year program) If anyone knows of anything else i could use my degree with until I pass please let me know. Thanks!!

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Specializes in med-surg/ortho for now.

Many hospitals will hire you as a graduate nurse as long as you pln on working there after passing the NCLEX. You will make less than a RN but it is better than miminum wage. But that depends on the state. Look into that to get your foot in the door & gain experience. You will most likely buddy up with a preceptor and there are certain things that obviously you will not be able to do without a license..such as administer meds. Dont freak out about the boards, you will do fine. Go in with confidence...GOOD LUCK!

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Specializes in post-op.

Honestly I do not know for sure, but I don't think so. Because technically you are only a graduate nurse. Here in NY you can only work as a GN until you take the boards. If you pass then obviously you are an RN or LPN, if you fail then you can only work as a GN for 10 days after. Be optimistic about your upcoming exam. Did you study differently this time around then you did the 1st time? From reading the posts on this website, there have been many that were not successful the 1st time. Don't give up, you can pass! Can you take a tech job at a hospital? I am not sure where you are from but I am in western NY and I know that tech jobs pay around 9-10 bucks/hr. I know that is not a ton, but better than 6/hr. Good luck!

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Specializes in OB, NP, Nurse Educator.

I am sorry to hear that you did not pass your boards and I know that you are distressed. As far as a job you can use your degree with - without passing NCLEX your degree doesn't have much job potential. You could probably work in a medical office at the desk or a medical supply store. Think positive about passing NCLEX this time. Have you had a review course? Have you contacted anyone from your BSN program to help you with remediation? Don't give up! You passed RN school - devise a plan and do your best on boards. Good luck!

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Puggymae is right. While your BSN may give you some options, at this stage in the game it is far better to focus on passing the NCLEX. Have you checked out our NCLEX Discussion Forum yet? Lots of great tips there from many who have been in your shoes previously.

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I know that until i pass the nclex i couldnt work as a nurse beings i've failed once. But just want to know where i could apply with a bachelor of science degree even if i wasnt working "nursing" I just want to use my degree to feel my schooling was worth it

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If having some options will help you relax and stay calm for the NCLEX, you might be aware of:

Pharmaceutical or medical supply sales

Substitute teacher

Any social service position that requires a BS in some field to qualify. (For example, jobs working with troubled youth)

Or you could go on for a masters degree in Health Care Administration, Public Health, etc. You would probably be expected to say why you didn't choose to go into nursing, but if you have good grades, a MS is a possibility. You could also pursue secondary ed certification as a health or science teacher.

But, you know what I think, I think you will pass boards!:nuke:

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