NClex questions

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2006

You can apply for a job immediately after graduation, since some workplaces hire 'graduate nurses'. Graduate nurses have graduated from nursing programs, but they are not yet licensed. The only catch is that you'll be hired at a much lower pay rate than your licensed coworkers.

How many times can you repeat the NCLEX? Well, the answer to that question depends on the state in which you intend to obtain licensure. I am in Texas, where applicants can take NCLEX an unlimited number of times during a 4 year period. However, who in their right mind would want to repeat the NCLEX? After all, it costs $200 each time you take NCLEX. Sorry, but I don't have that kind of money to waste.

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 27, 2006

I am allowed to work as a GN from the date of graduation, for 90 days. During that 90 days I HAVE TO take my NCLEX or I loose my GN status. I was hired at the same pay rate of an RN with 1 year of experience.

If I fail NCLEX, I am no longer a GN but the facility I work for doesn't fire me, I just become a tech until I can test again. My pay also drops $4.00/hr. If I fail a 2nd time, I am droped to the pay rate of a tech which is currently $9.00/hr.

The SBON decides when you test again - where I live, you must wait 45 days. But who wants to test again - that is very expensive.

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Dec 27, 2006

You can definitely apply for a job before graduation. I live in Massachusetts, so we don't have "Graduate Nurse" positions here. But you can definitely apply before taking NCLEX. You just have to let the employer know when you will be taking it. The Commuter is right in that the number of times you're allowed to take NCLEX varies state to state. I think in MA you can take it as many times as you want. But there are others that give you 3 strikes and you're out. Contact your BON and see what kind of information they can give you. Good luck!

bjssk · Dec 27, 2006

I am from Bay area, California.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2006

I am from Bay area, California.

I think California allows you to repeat the NCLEX once every 90 days.

smile123 · Dec 27, 2006

1.Can I apply for a job immediately after I graduate or I have to first give Nclex and then can apply for a job only after results?
2. After I graduate,in how much time do I need to give the NClex exam or there is no such rule for that?
3. How many times can I repeat the NClex?
4. Will any hospital hire me after my graduation if I am five months pregnant?

Thanks for letting us know you're from Calfornia. You can apply for a new grad nursing job before you graduate and receive an offer. It's usually contingent on you passing the NCLEX within 3 to 6 months of starting your job. In California, you can pay for an interim permit which will allow you to work as a nurse before taking the NCLEX. However, if you do not pass the NCLEX, that interim permit immediately becomes void and you can not continue your job as a nurse. (In some cases, you may be able to work as a tech instead if a position is available.)

In California you can repeat the NCLEX every 45 days and there's no limit as to how many times you can repeat it. However, if I were you, I would plan to study efficiently and effectively (take a review course or use Suzanne's plan) to pass the NCLEX the first time. Otherwise, it's another $200 to the CA BON to repeat it.

In terms of your 5 month pregnancy, that could be a tough one. Usually, there is a new grad training program (if you are planning to work at a hospital) for 10 to 12 weeks. During that time, you would be expected to be there the entire time, not going on pregnancy leave. Perhaps there is someone in the forum who could share her experience.

If I were you, I would plan to study for at least 6 weeks before you take the NCLEX (following Suzanne's plan or any of the review classes). This means doing 100 questions a day for 6 weeks minimum once you review the content. Go ahead take the NCLEX so you'll have that RN by your name. Then you can judge whether you'll be up for the 10-12 week new grad rotation (yes, they may rotate days and nights during that time). There are some places that do not have new grad training programs; you'll have to inquire for your specific situation.

One more thing: be sure to get all the necessary paperwork, photo, fingerprints, transcripts, etc. to the CA BON. This includes the CA BON receiving your final transcript from nursing school. Otherwise, they will not issue you a "ATT" (Application to Test) to permit you to register to take the NCLEX. (Note: to receive your results, you will need a SSN. Furthermore, California does not subscribe to Quick Results, so you'll have the agony of waiting to see your name on the CA BON website or receiving the results in the postal mail. You can read all about the waiting process on the NCLEX forums.) Good luck!

rags · Dec 27, 2006

The NCLEX is very stressful and I have a suggestion. I was hired prior to graduation and began working soon after as a GN. I had added stress because I had to relocate for my new job as well. If I were you with a new baby on the way, I would 1) finish school, 2) Concentrate full time on the NCLEX, 3) have my baby (enough stress there alone) and then apply for a job as a non-pg new RN. You will have many years ahead of you to practice nursing. Take it one step at a time and remove as much stress as you can along the way. That is a very important ingredient to passing the NCLEX!

Please come back and let us know how things go for you. I for one will be wondering.

Rags :confused:

bjssk · Dec 27, 2006

Thank you so much for the wonderful tips that you all have been giving me and especially smile123 for the information that you have given me. I shall definitely think of all these things and let you all know how things go with me.

Actually the thing is that this is my last year of BS in nursing and I have already been married for 5 years and I am entering 30s now, so my husband and myself, we wanted to plan a kid but we are in a dilemma about when exactly is a good time for that and so wanted to know if I could still get a job when I am pregnant or we should plan the baby little late. Because if we plan early then there might be chances that due to some problems like nausea or anything related to pregnancy, I might not be able to complete the program and we dont wantr to take that risk.

But thank you all and keep letting me know if you have any suggestions for my dilemma.