New Grad pre-NCLEX

[adowland]

I just graduated with my BSN last week, so I haven't taken the NCLEX. I've started applying to jobs, and even had an interview at a nursing home. I got a voicemail from the hr rep asking me to come in for a second interview. I called back and got her voicemail, so I left a message returning her call so we can set up a time.

My question is, Im not licensed yet. My transcripts won't even be released for a couple weeks, so I probably won't be able to take my exam until June.

If they want to hire me, will I start working once I'm licensed? Can they employ me for orientation/training in the mean time? Or as a nurse's aide until I take my boards?

Money is tight right now, so I'm really hoping to find employment soon. Especially since paying for my boards will leave other bills UNpaid.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

You cannot begin working as a nurse until after you have your license. Massachusetts does not have GN status. I have rarely seen places willing to hire a graduate nurse into the aide role in the interim.

[sbostonRN]

I got my first job as an RN in a SNF as an unlicensed new grad. Interviewed about a week before I was scheduled for my boards and passed on the first try. They were going to let me work as a CNA until I could start as an RN but luckily my two-weeks notice at my old job left me with a bit of overlap so I was able to start as an RN on my hire date. Hospitals probably wouldn't be as flexible. Try to take your boards ASAP. I took mine on June 11 and many of my classmates didn't take them until August or September. Better to get it over with early if you ask me :)