question: Required hours before taking NCLEX?

suzanne4, RN · Nov 9, 2005

Some programs include a preceptorship in their curriculum, and the nurses actually do it when they finish their program. But there is no state reuqirement of a preceptorship to take the NCLEX. Only a completed set of transcripts.

MIA-RN1, RN · Nov 9, 2005

Some programs include a preceptorship in their curriculum, and the nurses actually do it when they finish their program. But there is no state reuqirement of a preceptorship to take the NCLEX. Only a completed set of transcripts.

thanks for the info! I haven't heard that mentioned at my school by anyone in the final semester and I got a bit worried there! :)

HelloKittyRN · Nov 11, 2005

I just graduated last December and there was no set amount of hours you had to work. You just signed up and took the NCLEX when you felt you were ready for it. Some wanted to wait a while and others wanted to get it over ASAP. Make sure to sign up early b/c they only have so many slots to fill and they go fast!

MIA-RN1, RN · Nov 12, 2005

I just graduated last December and there was no set amount of hours you had to work. You just signed up and took the NCLEX when you felt you were ready for it. Some wanted to wait a while and others wanted to get it over ASAP. Make sure to sign up early b/c they only have so many slots to fill and they go fast!

yes I am graduating June 1 or 2 and I hope to take the NCLEX by early July at the latest. I know that LOTS of people graduate at that time of year so I realistically I know it might be longer. Im starting my GN job June 5 too, and thats what worried me--I thought they might make me precept first and then not work right away like I'd planned.

grinnurse, RN · Nov 12, 2005

Not in Texas. We had graduation on Friday night and several sat for NCLEX the following Monday.

GrnHonu99, RN · Nov 13, 2005

Some programs include a preceptorship in their curriculum, and the nurses actually do it when they finish their program. But there is no state reuqirement of a preceptorship to take the NCLEX. Only a completed set of transcripts.

This is how my program works. We walk in May with the rest of the college (too small to have an undergrad and grad graduation). After that we have to compmlete a 6 week preceptorship and then they mail our diploma when we pass. My instructors say to get a job where you pick to do your preceptroship bc they will usually hire you on, that is unless you fail...hopefully i wont!

honeyb111 · Nov 13, 2005

We have to a 90 hour preceptorship during our 4th quarter (ADN). That's on top of lectures and clinicals. And we can't get paid for it!!! I checked with the hospital I'll be doing my externship/internship program with - 4th sem. we move to the internship program but it can't be counted as our preceptorship. Thank goodness the intern program is PRN.

crb613, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2005

I am not sure exactly how it works, but at my school if you graduate after Dec. 05 you must do an extra 120 clinical hrs before you can take the NCLEX. They do not find the jobs for us...we are on our own, we do get paid for these hours.I will ask about it Tue. & let you know exactly how it works. There was no mention of it being a school requirement or a change in our program. I am not clear on it but I will check it out. I know right now (3rd sem.) we do one eight hr clinical/wk....then next (4th sem) we do two twelve hr clinicals/wk.

crb613, BSN, RN · Nov 14, 2005

Some programs include a preceptorship in their curriculum, and the nurses actually do it when they finish their program. But there is no state reuqirement of a preceptorship to take the NCLEX. Only a completed set of transcripts.

Suzanne I did a search on the KBN & found this. I was told I had to do 120 more clinicals hrs after grad. Could you please explain.... I guess it was ok to copy this if not please delete it!!! :uhoh21: Thanks

Clinical Internship

The "Clinical Internship" component introduced by KBN is accomplished post-graduation within the practice arena.

Beginning January 1, 2006, any individual seeking licensure in Kentucky by examination and/or endorsement who has not practiced for at least 120 hours following graduation will be required to complete a clinical internship and pass NCLEX prior to full licensure being granted. The statute, KRS 314.011(20), defines the clinical internship as: “A supervised nursing practice experience which involves any component of direct patient care.” The statute furthers specifies that the internship “shall last a minimum of 120 hours and shall be completed within 6 months of the issuance of the provisional license” (KRS 314.041). The key elements of the clinical internship include: direct patient care, supervision by a licensed nurse, 120 hours in duration, and a 6-month provisional license time frame.

A student graduating from an approved nursing program will first make application to the state of Kentucky and to NCLEX. Once the Kentucky application is complete, KBN will wait until communication is received from the student’s program of nursing indicating that he/she has successfully completed all requirements for graduation. Once this communication is received, the graduate will be issued a provisional license for the state of Kentucky that is valid for 6 months. During the 6-month period, the new graduate will be required to complete the internship and is advised to successfully pass the NCLEX examination if he/she desires to continue practicing within the state. At the time that the provisional license expires, if the new graduate has either not completed the internship or passed NCLEX, he/she will no longer be able to practice as a licensed nurse within the state of Kentucky.

Once the provisional license has been received or verified, the new graduate can begin the clinical internship. During the period of time that the new graduate has the provisional license, he/she will use the title RNA (Registered Nurse Applicant) or LPNA (Licensed Practical Nurse Applicant). The internship can be completed at any healthcare agency licensed by the state. For a new graduate, a primary factor in the selection of an agency is the ability to engage in patient care under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. To qualify as direct supervision, the nurse responsible for the applicant shall at all times be physically present in the facility and immediately available to the applicant.

At the completion of the 120-hour internship period, the new graduate will submit verification of completion to KBN. Once this verification has been received, KBN will notify NCLEX that the individual is eligible to schedule and take the licensing examination. Once the test is taken and the results are positive, the new graduate will be granted full licensure within the state. If the graduate is not successful on the examination, the provisional license is voided and the individual can no longer work in the capacity of a licensed professional until the time that he/she has successfully passed NCLEX.

Hoozdo, ADN · Nov 14, 2005

We have to a 90 hour preceptorship during our 4th quarter (ADN). That's on top of lectures and clinicals. And we can't get paid for it!!! I checked with the hospital I'll be doing my externship/internship program with - 4th sem. we move to the internship program but it can't be counted as our preceptorship. Thank goodness the intern program is PRN.

Same situation in AZ. We have to do an 108 hr preceptorship before our paperwork is sent in to the State Board of Nursing. I start next week in ICU for my 108 hour stent.