after passing nclex pn,when can i start working?

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hello everyone.I just want to ask all those who took the NCLEX PN exam:

1)) How do I get my nursing license? Does the State Board just mail it to me? Let's say I look on the Pearsonvue Quick Results,found out I passed, and I see my license number. Can I just give my employer my license number and then work as an LPN without having to wait for my actual license by mail?

2) How long does it take to get my actual license after passing the NCLEX PN exam?

How does the licensing process work? Thanks

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How long it takes to get your paper license will likely depend on the state you are in. Most employers, if not all, verify nursing licenses online. My paper license came about one month after I saw my license number posted on the BON online. I had already started working as an RN by the time I got it.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

I'm in MO, and just took the NCLEX. My letter stated to use it as proof of my license until I get my real one. It says it'll be 4-6 weeks until I get that, though I've heard it can be quicker. Call your state BON and find out.

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Specializes in ICU.
hello everyone.I just want to ask all those who took the NCLEX PN exam:

1)) How do I get my nursing license? Does the State Board just mail it to me? Let's say I look on the Pearsonvue Quick Results,found out I passed, and I see my license number. Can I just give my employer my license number and then work as an LPN without having to wait for my actual license by mail?

2) How long does it take to get my actual license after passing the NCLEX PN exam?

How does the licensing process work? Thanks

I can only speak from my experience, but I would assume it is pretty much the same everywhere. After you graduate you must apply to the state and pay them, you must complete an online background check and pay for that, and the state must receive proof you graduated from your school. Then you will get your authorization to test and your provisional license (which is good for 6 months), and you then go to pearson-vue's website with your ATT and pay them and schedule your exam.

You can start working under your provisional license, around here you are considered a nurse "applicant" at that point. So you are an LPNA (or RNA if appropriate). Next your have to pass the boards, and complete 120 hours of clinical time. If you start working under your provisional license, you can count that time for your 120 hours. After you pass boards, and complete the 120 hours, you will then get your regular license. I did receive mine in the mail, but it was weeks after I was assigned my license number. On the Board of Nursings' website you can verify nursing licenses. I just kept checking mine until it updated with my license number. It was only 1-2 days after I sent in my proof of clinical time. I ended up getting a job right after that, and my company just verified my license online. I understand that not all states require the 120 hours clinical, so without it I would guess the rest of the procedure is about the same.

Hope this helps.

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I can only speak from my experience, but I would assume it is pretty much the same everywhere. After you graduate you must apply to the state and pay them, you must complete an online background check and pay for that, and the state must receive proof you graduated from your school. Then you will get your authorization to test and your provisional license (which is good for 6 months), and you then go to pearson-vue's website with your ATT and pay them and schedule your exam.

You can start working under your provisional license, around here you are considered a nurse "applicant" at that point. So you are an LPNA (or RNA if appropriate). Next your have to pass the boards, and complete 120 hours of clinical time. If you start working under your provisional license, you can count that time for your 120 hours. After you pass boards, and complete the 120 hours, you will then get your regular license. I did receive mine in the mail, but it was weeks after I was assigned my license number. On the Board of Nursings' website you can verify nursing licenses. I just kept checking mine until it updated with my license number. It was only 1-2 days after I sent in my proof of clinical time. I ended up getting a job right after that, and my company just verified my license online. I understand that not all states require the 120 hours clinical, so without it I would guess the rest of the procedure is about the same.

Hope this helps.

Actually- it's a little different in PA. The BON lets Pearson Vue know you are ready to test and the ATT comes from THEM, so you have to register with them before you'd get the ATT. My ATT was also only good for 3 months.

I took the NCLEX yesterday and today my name is on the BON website. No clue when I will get the paper license but the only thing I need to start working now is a job!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

OP: as long as you have your license number, you should be able to start working even before the hard copy of the license arrives. Whether you will actually be able get a job to start working is another matter...

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Cardiac.

I'm in PA and I had my paper license one week after seeing my license number on the website!!!

My employer didn't even want to see the paper license when I renewed it as they now verify the license online.

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Can someone please comment the link to the PA BON website please

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Can someone please comment the link to the PA BON website please

A Google search of PA BON or PA board of nursing will bring up the link you need.

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