NCLEX

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I am going to graduate in about a month from an associate degree nursing program and I am wondering what I should do first. I am not sure whether I should apply for jobs before I take the NCLEX or if I should wait until I have passed the NCLEX to apply for jobs to eliminate that added stress of passing the NCLEX the first time, so that I will not lose the job. Please comment with your thoughts.

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Specializes in Psychiatric nursing; Medical-Surgrical.

Apply for jobs. I got a job before even writing the nclex. You can work with a temporary licence before you write or they can hire you and wait for you. Apply everywhere.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I would say it depends on what the requirements of the job state. Some online applications require you to enter a valid RN license number before you can proceed/submit. Others may not have such a requirement.

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Nowadays it is common for new grads to spend a long time looking for a first job. My advice would be to start applying (and interviewing, if possible) as soon as possible. Lots of places may not be willing to consider you until you have the license, but other places feel differently and I don't see any point or advantage to intentionally delaying your job hunt. Best wishes!

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