Moving to Boston (MGH) - questions about in state licensing

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My husband is starting a new position at MGH in 2014 as a physician. I am graduating a month before our move date and hoping to find a position close to where we will live. I know there are many great hospitals but obviously my first choice will be MGH. And yes I know finding a job is impossible. I am however hoping that my patient tech experience in the SICU at one of the best SICUs in the country will help. In addition to some research experience and publications I will have my name on when I graduate with a BSN. (Simply stating that for context and resume purposes but then again many people have great experience.)

My intentions are to take my NCLEX in early June. Let's pretend I actually can get a job. Now, I have heard that some states will employ you to work as a new graduate even without a license "with promise that you will pass your exams". I believe this is called "a new grad job". Do they do that anywhere in Boston? The other part to the question is: if i take my exam in june could I have a license by July to work? You know, for my pretent job in July.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Feel free to ad any other knowledge requirements that I am lacking and things that I might need to be considered i.e. resumes etc.

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Specializes in Pedi.

Massachusetts does not have "Graduate Nurse" status. You cannot work as a nurse until you have passed NCLEX and have a license. You can, however, apply for jobs in the interim and may be offered a job contingent upon your passing NCLEX and becoming licensed.

If you take your NCLEX in June, the issue date of your license is the day you pass your exam, provided you are taking it for Massachusetts licensure and don't need to apply for licensure by reciprocity.

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Thank you for the feedback- that is exactly what I was looking for. I do plan on flying out and taking it in Massachusetts - I guess I just need my state to provide my paperwork first post graduation so I can do so. I hear that can take a few weeks :/ Thanks a million.

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There's no need to fly out to Mass just to take the exam. You can take the NCLEX at a testing center in another state and still be able to apply for initial licensure in Massachusetts. Your school will just have to sign off on the Mass paper work and not that of your current state.

Massachusetts contracts out its licensing to a private company. You can find all the information here: https://www.pcshq.com/?page=health,MA-examination

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Specializes in Pedi.

PP is correct. Don't waste the money flying out here for NCLEX. You don't need to physically be in Massachusetts to take NCLEX for licensure in Massachusetts. NCLEX is a national exam. You can take it wherever you please and still apply for your license in Massachusetts.

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Thanks- I don't know why so many people told me to take it there, and implied that it was easier that way. Thanks ladies.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

With BSN you should be fine. Are you settling in the city? Your experience in a SICU will help you but I would rephrase the "The best SICU's in the country" to..."One of the top rated" ...as coming from a different area of the country...Boston and Massachusetts can be very EGOCENTRIC. I went on a job interview and mentioned (amongst other things) that I graduated Magne Cum Laude from Purdue University and the interviewer wanted to know if that was a well known college...so.....

It will also help that your husband has been hired as a physician there.

If not I would try Mount Auburn in Cambridge, Beth Israel Deaconess, Boston, The Brigham and Women's is union. Are yopu gping to settle in the city? There are some great hospitals just outside of the city.

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Specializes in Pedi.

Esme is correct... don't tell anyone at MGH that you came from "one of the best" SICUs in the country because MGH certainly thinks THEY are the best.

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Well ofcourse not- that's just how I was talking in a non-professional setting. I am very much aware of the egocentric behavior of all hospitals :)

And yes I will be settling close to MGH.

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Janet - As a former Bostonian, I think I may be able to offer some needed advice. But first, a question: Why MGH specifically?

Your time as a SICU nursing assistant (is that what it was?) will probably not be helpful. Sorry. Everyone in the Boston new-grad job market has that very same line, in one way or another, on his/her resume. MGH tends to hire it's new grads from internal nursing assistants and those with connections. Take a look at postings on AN - Boston is saturated with new grad RNs.

So here's my advice: Look elsewhere from MGH. Be advised that they are one of the only non-union hospitals in boston, and that can be a challenging environment (I think you know what I mean by that - being fired at any time for no cause). Also their benefits were crappy - I paid $400 insurance premiums with a $35 doctor visit copay - absurd. maybe the house officer benefits are better, and you can be on your hubs' plan. you will need to be flexible and accepting of nursing home/rehab/home health opportunities. Best of luck to you

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I wouldn't get scared off from MGH because it's non-union. I've worked at MGH for 3 years and love it. I personally have never heard of someone being fired for no reason. I'm not sure if you would be able to get into the SICU right away without any experience, from what I've heard there's already a waitlist for MGH RNs to get into the SICU. But if you gain experience where you are now you may be able to get into a med/surg unit at MGH.

Good luck! :)

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Thank you Tina. I am not too picky at this point. I just want a job that is rewarding and full of education.

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