New grad program that requires CURRENT LICENSE

[nursing.mypassion]

Hi,

Thank you very much for all of your help so far.

Now that I'm applying to many new grad programs that have the requirement of possessing a CURRENT LICENSE, I'm a little confused. I am graduating this May and planning to take the NCLEX in the middle of Jun.

So, my question is whether I'm eligible to apply for new grad programs that require current license?

Thanks for all of your help. :)

[Dalla]

I would imagine that there are many new grads from last December that have already passed NCLEX and are still looking for jobs. I don't think that your chances of being interviewed would be very high, but apply anyway. You never know!

[Shuggypie, ASN, BSN, RN]

Look at the date the program will start, if you plan to have your license by then, apply! Many new grad programs take applications many months in advance and if you wait to apply until license in hand it may be too late.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

Maybe they want to be sure you passed the NCLEX before you apply. Maybe the state doesn't allow new grads to work as nurses until they pass the NCLEX

[Isabelle49]

Do you have a temp license? In our state we were hired on that alone. If a candidate did not pass State Boards, they were offered a tech position. It's not a horrible thing, there are benefits to that, and they are good. I'm not one of those, but knew at least one candidate that this happened to.

[anitavong]

I graduated in Dec. 2010, got my license, still looking for jobs. I had the same question last year. According to my experience, I would suggest you to call the HR first. Ask them if they will consider you without license. Don't wast your time on applying for positions that don't even consider you. Applying for jobs is very time consuming. If they don't even consider, invest your time on study. Get your GPA high because all the new grad programs consider GPA. hope that helps.

[Chicago, BSN, RN]

Definitely apply! Even though programs require it; as long as its furnished to them before it starts, you're in the clear. If they ask for it beforehand, you can state that you are NCLEX-eligible, so that they won't TOTALLY disqualify you. HOWEVER, don't willingly lurk for information, or volunteer it for that matter, if it is not being asked for. Meaning, you let them know you are eligible to test, and then your application is conveniently downgraded to the pile of "applicants to refer to, if no one else accepts an offer." No one wants a missed opportunity!