question about working before graduation

hello.... i will graduate as an rn this december, and i wonder if anyone knows about working as more than a nurse's aid, because i want to get more experience (and money!) is an externship my only option, i had heard that after completing 3rd semester, we could apply for a permit to work as lpn's without taking the boards? sorry if i am asking in the wrong place, and i know that every facility/state is different, but in general, what has anyone ever seen/experienced about this? thanks!!

some places in my area will take junior or senior students, and train them in a nursing assistant type of role (without having to become a cna). it depends on what the institution uses as their uap. some of the local schools have programs with the local hospitals, and work around their schedules, and offer the training during the semester breaks.

as far as the lpn thing, you do have to take the lpn nclex, and are eligible after the 3rd semester. i knew many who did this, just in case they didn't pass the rn, and also for the practice. so yes, that is an option for you.

how 'up'state are you? i'm way down state (nyc).

hello... i am really "midstate".. live near syracuse. :)

we also can work as cna's without doing anything except passing first semester, as uap's... but i really want something more, you know? maybe i'm getting anxious to graduate!!! thanks for your reply- i talked to hr today and told them what i'm looking for.. so we shall see! theresa

some places in my area will take junior or senior students, and train them in a nursing assistant type of role (without having to become a cna). it depends on what the institution uses as their uap. some of the local schools have programs with the local hospitals, and ...work around their schedules, and offer the training during the semester breaks.

as far as the lpn thing, you do have to take the lpn nclex, and are eligible after the 3rd semester. i knew many who did this, just in case they didn't pass the rn, and also for the practice. so yes, that is an option for you.

how 'up'state are you? i'm way down state (nyc).

hello... i am really "midstate".. live near syracuse. :)

down here, we consider westchester upstate!!

In New York, after 3 semesters of RN preparation you can get a GPN permit. (Graduate Practical Nurse) This requires employer endorsement and requires that an RN be available to you on the unit that you work at all times. The cost is 35.00. You must also register to take the NCLEX with the state (apply for LPN) but you don't actually have to take the examination. The permit is good for one year. You can find the forms at www.op.nysed.gov with instructions - go to the nursing section. You must have completed the 3 semesters with a "c" or better, and you sign up as RN preparation PN equivalancy. I did this but actually opted to take the test and passed, but I had the GPN permit for about a week before I did so.

Hope this helps.... Randy LPN (RN in May)

Randy- thank you so much... that's exactly what I was looking for!!! One of my classmates mentioned that but had no details, so I appreciate it. Good luck to you! Theresa

In New York, after 3 semesters of RN preparation you can get a GPN permit. (Graduate Practical Nurse) This requires employer endorsement and requires that an RN be available to you on the unit that you work at all times. The cost is 35.00. You must also register to take the NCLEX with the state (apply for LPN) but you don't actually have to take the examination. The permit is good for one year. You can find the forms at www.op.nysed.gov with instructions - go to the nursing section. You must have completed the 3 semesters with a "c" or better, and you sign up as RN preparation PN equivalancy. I did this but actually opted to take the test and passed, but I had the GPN permit for about a week before I did so.

Hope this helps.... Randy LPN (RN in May)