what is the official title of one who...

Here, they are GNs (graduate nurses) until they pass boards.

oh thanks...couldnt remember that... if I am correct they have all the privilages of an RN (except they have to be mentored untill they pass the boards)..am I correct?

That varies from state to state. When I graduated, I could only work as a tech until I passed boards (no such thing as assessing patients, nursing procedures, passing meds as an unlicensed person).

Check with your BON.

got it...sorry to be a pain..whats "BON"? Board of Nursing?

Better check where you work it varies. When I graduated we were called RNA's RN applicants, with a temporary license with all priviledges of an RN, except blood administration and charge. That was back in the day when the entire state took boards on the same two days.

Now adays I've noticed that they are calling them "Clinical Nurse Residents" and when their get their "sit pass" is when they can get "GN" status and pass meds and such. A Clinical Nurse Resident doesn't pass meds and is basically a tech.

Here in California you are NOTHING but a person who's been to nursing school or college. The only way you are recognized as a "licensee" is if you apply and are granted your Interim Permit, thus making you an R.N.I.P. or by taking the boards and receiving your permanant license.

Your RNIP is only valid until the first time you take and pass (or fail) the boards, or six months, whichever is sooner. If you pass the boards, you are granted permanent licensure. If you fail....you're nothing. You've just got to take the boards again.

Word of advice: wait till you have something official until you start claiming your "status". That way you'll stay out of hot water with your respective BON.

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If you fail....you're nothing. You've just got to take the boards again.

That made me laugh. :chuckle

I didn't count as anything until I was licensed. I hear in other states it is different... you can be precepted under a licensed nurse and pass meds and stuff, but not in MD. At least, not when I graduated.

And yes, BON = board of nursing. You'd be wise to get your info from them, because some facilities don't always follow the rules.

(Learned that one from experience, too)

After receiving permit to work.... RN,LP (license pending).

Sounds like the variations are as many as there are states, I think emphasizing the importance of checking with your particular state you are in. My husband thought he was an GN in Texas after he graduated from Excelsior. Then he found out he couldn't function as a GN (at least according to his hiring hospital) until he had his letter from the State (authorization to test or ATT) to sit for the test (NCLEX). He then remained a GN until the State confirmed he had passed (which he did, yeah!). I wasn't any help because it worked differently years before when I tested in another state. His employer was understanding (since he had been upfront and didn't pretend to be anything he wasn't) and allowed him to function as a tech/secretary until his ATT letter came in.

just graduated as an RN and is given an RN job but has not taken the boards... I was told something like this exists... anyone know?

In Tennessee Graduate RN's are called "Nurse Externs". It's on their name badge. I'm not sure what it means. GN seems much more logical. We can precep them but they cannot actually do anything more than what a CNA would do.

In NV, you are a Graduate Nurse until you pass your boards (you have 3 or 4 months after school to do this). GN's are precepted with an RN, but you provide all care and pass all meds for the patient. The catch? In cases like mine, you are only oriented for 3 weeks!! So after that time, if I have not taken (and passed) my boards, I will be unable to work in either capacity (GN or RN). Because my orientation to the ICU is so short, I only have 3 weeks to get those boards taken or I can't work. For those who have not been Apprentice Nurses, they have I think a 12-week orientation so they can take advantage of the full 3 months after finishing school before they have to pass boards.

But at least it's motivation to get my boards over and done with. Plus, the GN's start at $22.86 and RN's $23.96. So there is $$ motivation as well.

Melanie

In Tennessee, you can be hired as a Graduate Nurse until passing boards.