kris16

I have just graduated from a four year nursing college and am studying to take the NCLEX exam sometime in early/mid summer. I was planning to work part time in a hospital while studying for the exam and continue part time after taking it, then begin full time in September. I was wondering about the liability factor as it pertains to new nurses. Can new nurse's hospital responsibility and legal responsibility differ? For example, When I pass my licensing exam and the state legally grants me permission to be a nurse what are the legal ramifications of working even though I have not yet gone through any orientation or training? If an emergency situation occurred would I be legally responsible to act even though I have not been formally trained but have been licensed by the state? Would I be jeopardizing my nursing career before it even starts? Should I forgo working part time and just wait to formally start in September?

I am currently a senior nursing student who will be graduating with a BS in May, 2007. I am also currently in the Dual BS/MA program and after my May graduation I was planning to continue full-time to complete my masters towards becomming an NP. My question is, Is it better to immediately complete my masters studies or should I find employment as an RN and continue part-time or even delay my studies? I could understand that it is better to get all the experience one can but is it possible to finish one's studies first and how would such an individual be viewed when applying for employment and then on the job? I would hate to stop my studies and then start up again unless absolutely necessary. Any perspectives would be greatly appreciated.