New requirement for 2006 grads?

Hey,

I go to a community college that has a 1+1 program (after the first year of the program, you are qualified to take the LPN boards, then after the second year, you are eligible to take the RN exam). Anyway, both LPN grads and RN grads have to have the 120 preceptorship hours. So, since our school is a 1+1, all students are required to do 240 hours, whereas in a traditional RN program, only 120 hours of preceptorship experience is required. Sucks for our school huh. Still, the LPN students are required to do there 120 hours this year, but the second year RN students are not required by the board of nursing to do any hours until next year. Still, our school made us do 40 hours in a preceptorship, and I have to say that it was the best learning experience I've had in nursing school. You get a lot of opportunities to do skills that you may not have gotten to do otherwise, and you get a certain degree of autonomy that you don't get in the normal clinical environment.

I'm glad that this is a new requirement. I think it will make for better nurses. It seems a little overwhelming, but it is not bad, trust me. Usually, you won't have your normal clinicals, or classes depepending on your school. At least here in Kentucky it is a requirement, but I'm not sure if it's a national thing or not.

I just read that you were located in Kentucky. Yes, beginning in 2006 the preceptor hours are required in kentucky. I know this for a fact. Once you are a nurse in kentucky, you start getting this bulletin (KBN connection), and it tells all about the changes in the KBN rules and all that. If you have any more questions let me know.

I can't help but think this is a really good move. Wish I had had such a thing in 1997.

Maybe I should have been more specific--the 120 hours in this new requirement is in addition to the 120 hours spent in preceptorship during our last semester. This is AFTER graduation...!!

still a great deal. trust me.

I heard that beginning January 2006, new grads will have to work an additional 120 hours in a preceptorship environment before they can begin working as an RN, and possibly before they are allowed to take NCLEX? Does anyone have more details about this new requirement?

I believe it will affect all nurses graduating December 2005 (my grad date, yipee). I couldn't find anything on the Board of Nursing website for KY, where I am located...

I agree it may not be a bad idea......

BTW I like your name Pitbullgirl......I take it you are a pitty lover like myself :) I like you already

still a great deal. trust me.

I agree.. can't find fault with that at all. A new grad needs all the support and supervised experience he/she can get. Kind of a safety net... you're in the pool, but you get to cling to the sides. Good deal !

rethinking it, i think it is a good idea also...it will effect me due to my graduation date also...but i think that "extra" is good for anyone. i see alot of new grads drowning on the floors and i feel so bad for them. i don't want to be in that boat.:sofahider i'll take all the extra cushion i can get! in the big scheme of things...too much prep still wouldn't be enough!!

good luck to you by the way!

m.

120 hours....? That's 15 days. Am I missing something? I don't see the big deal. I see new grads who refuse to work prior to taking the NCLEX and others who work a month or so before taking it. Seems to me the more hours you put in around patients the better prepared you are for the work world, and for the exam.

I heard that beginning January 2006, new grads will have to work an additional 120 hours in a preceptorship environment before they can begin working as an RN, and possibly before they are allowed to take NCLEX? Does anyone have more details about this new requirement?

I believe it will affect all nurses graduating December 2005 (my grad date, yipee). I couldn't find anything on the Board of Nursing website for KY, where I am located...

Call the board of nursing. You will probably find out the details in 30 seconds or less.

I use websites for information all the time, but a question like this -- which involves dates, times, etc. -- is usually best asked one on one. Call them.

This is from my blog. It was written a few weeks ago, but it is not out of date. :)

The best way to contact anyone

What's the best way to contact anyone?

Despite email, regular mail, AIM, and cams, the best way is almost always by phone.

Phone is fast, direct, and easy. Cheap, too.

How does this relate to your career?

Need a new job? Call HR directly, and ask what's available.

Having a problem with a client? Call them directly, and confidently, kindly, tell them you'd like to resolve it.

Have a problem with your bank? Call your personal banker directly (you do have a banker who knows you and your situation, don't you?) and deal with the problem.

Don't do the email dance. Don't waste time with a physical letter. In 99% of circumstances, your best bet is to call. Just do it.

As stated in one of the previous posts, I needed to go to the source, in this case the KY Board of Nursing. And I was correct: Beginning January 1, 2006, all applicants for licensure will be required to complete a clinical internship of at least 120 hours before taking the NCLEX.

Not sure how this will affect starting dates for new hires -- typically the hospital where I work now as a tech (and where I hope to work as an RN), begins all new grads in the beginning of February. Not a lot of time to get in the hours and take NCLEX. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out next year.

Is this still considered schooling? We don't hire new grads that haven't passed their boards where I work.

I haven't heard of anything and I don't think they could mandate such a requirement at the federal level. It would be done at the board level since all state boards of nursing have their own set of requirements in the first place.

In addition, all GN's are already required to work under the supervision of an RN. And that RN must be on the unit or area that the GN is working (at least in the state of PA). So I don't see how a 120 hour requirement would make a difference. Seems redundant to the supervision requirement.