Nursing Students NCLEX
Published Jul 23, 2007
Nurseismade RN
379 Posts
The good news is that I passed nclex w/75 questions....I was now going to give my manager my 2 weeks notice and start looking. However, the nursing office I float for decided to check the BON and stated that because I am now an RN, I can no longer work as a tech and not to come into work today. I am so distraught...I have bills, need my benefits. Is this legal??They said I should have planned better....but how can you when the state I live in is very competitive (Boston), the hospital I work in has a hiring freeze, and then I did not know for sure I was going to pass and chose that time to study instead of job hunting...........any advice would be most welcomed.
BBFRN, BSN, PhD
3,779 Posts
I don't understand why you can't work as a tech until you find a job. It's not like you're a liability.
Start looking for a job ASAP. Go to careerbuilder.com and post a resume- you'll be surprised at how fast and how many employers will contact you. Make sure you set it up for public viewing.
pagandeva2000, LPN
7,984 Posts
I think that sucks, but look at it positively...you will definitely have more incentive to start job searching. I don't see how they would terminate you, either, or even offer you a job. That is just silly. Anyway, move on in your new career and congratulations!!
Icare4u2
42 Posts
oh, please give me a break!! you would think that with as much help that is neeed in healthcare they would allow you to work!! seems to me that it is their loss. ah, well, live and learn. if it were me they could call me back and beg me and i wouldn't go now...of course, that is just me:lol2:. good luck!! you will do gr8!!!
Diary/Dairy, RN
1,785 Posts
Well, I hope you find somewhere to work soon!!!
Good luck on passing your NCLEX!!!!
Jolie, BSN
6,375 Posts
I respectfully disagree. An RN who has never been oriented to a professional role, working as a tech is indeed a liability.
Anyone who holds an RN license will be held legally to the standards of care expected of a professional nurse. It doesn't matter what his/her job description or name badge says. All that matters is the title RN after his/her name. Not having been oriented to the hospital or unit as an RN makes it likely that there are policies, procedures, standards of care, and clinical skills that the tech is unfamiliar with, and, as a tech wouldn't be expected to perform. But as an RN, the expectations are different. Nursing administration, knowing that a new grad who has not completed orientation can't meet those expectations, did the right thing by cancelling the OP's shifts as a tech.
That is the justification that many RNs give when they (rightfully) object to accepting a patient assignment on an unfamiliar unit to which they have been floated.
I know this doesn't make it easy for the OP to pay her bills, but far better to protect her newly-minted license than to jeopardize it by working without proper orientation.
AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P
2,579 Posts
Hi,
Try and think positive, you passed the NCLEX and will hopefully be able to find a job. If worse comes to worse work in a non-nursing job temporarily. I am working in northeastern MA, and have heard of new grads having trouble finding jobs near Boston, so try and look outside of that area.
Swtooth
Thank you all for those encouraging words......It definetly has made me more determined than ever to find a job as soon as possible...and today I sent out my updated resumes to many health care establishments.....
I respectfully disagree. An RN who has never been oriented to a professional role, working as a tech is indeed a liability.Anyone who holds an RN license will be held legally to the standards of care expected of a professional nurse. It doesn't matter what his/her job description or name badge says. All that matters is the title RN after his/her name. Not having been oriented to the hospital or unit as an RN makes it likely that there are policies, procedures, standards of care, and clinical skills that the tech is unfamiliar with, and, as a tech wouldn't be expected to perform. But as an RN, the expectations are different. Nursing administration, knowing that a new grad who has not completed orientation can't meet those expectations, did the right thing by cancelling the OP's shifts as a tech.That is the justification that many RNs give when they (rightfully) object to accepting a patient assignment on an unfamiliar unit to which they have been floated.I know this doesn't make it easy for the OP to pay her bills, but far better to protect her newly-minted license than to jeopardize it by working without proper orientation.
While I understand your argument, the OP should be familiar with the job responsibilities of a tech and I think that the person can be effective until receiving a job. I am not saying this to challenge your point...in fact, this was an excellent observation and comment to be considered deeply. Many have worked in lesser titles until jobs arrive. I did it myself; maybe for only three weeks, but, I continued to work as a tech until orientation began as a nurse. My situation was a bit different, though; my job sponsored my education and had to hire me to complete the contract. But, I would think that the risk would be the same; I had the judgment of a nurse and at times, had to remember that during those three weeks. I did come across a few mild situations, and had to use the judgement of a nurse rather than a tech in order to protect myself. I have witnessed LPNs become RNs (without the assistance of my job), but remained as LPNs at my job until they were offered a position. Those LPNs may have faced a similar risk, I am sure, but they were not terminated.
I do concurr, though, that there would be a risk, it is just that I see so many people do it just until suitable employment was found. And saying to the OP that 'better planning' should have been made was weird to me. When is the right time to upgrade ourselves??
ohmeowzer RN, RN
2,306 Posts
you are better off without them. you will find a better job and never think of that job again.
honeykrown, MSN, NP
385 Posts
I belive u are responsible for whatever your job description says u r. if she is working under a tech license her passing the NCLEX doesnt make her responsible for the duties of an RN because her job description was that of a tech. that is the law i know and was taught in school. if she was working as an RN and when she floats to another floor decides to work as a tech. She is then responisble for her patients
deleern
510 Posts
Sorry, But Congratulations... be creative... LTC is always a short term solution.