What Does A Graduate Nurse Do?

Nurses New Nurse

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Hello, I am about to graduate nursing school. I'm beginning transitions next week, and I applied for an GN/RN position on the same floor I'm doing my transitions. I don't plan on taking my NCLEX immediately, I plan on taking this job and working as a GN and then take my NCLEX most likely 2-3mos post-graduation. I will remain on the same unit, just from a GN to an RN. My school hasn't explained what a GN does. I'm wondering how different it is compared to being a nurse, and what level of independence there is. There is a pay cut of that and a newly licensed nurse so I'm assuming we have less autonomy. Thanks!

My nursing instructor is always telling us by day 53 after finishing nursing school we have lost half the information we learned. I'm planning to take NCLEX as soon as I can.

Specializes in Neuroscience.
**Pet peeve misconception alert!**

The GN does not work under the license of the RN. The only person who works under a license is the person who is named on it. The GN works under their own temporary practice permit. Students learn under an exception to the license requirement. No one works under anyone else's license.

I didn't know that, thanks for sharing. I was a GN for exactly 10 days before I took my NCLEX. My preceptor constantly told me that she was responsible for any mistakes I made, and that it was on her license. I never thought to look up that information. I appreciate you correcting me!

Still...OP....take the test.

Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

Some states will not let you work as a new grad without an RN license, so you may want to check on that. Also if a hospital hires you for an RN position they are certainly not going to wait 2-3 months for you to take the NCLEX! Take it as soon as you graduate so you still have retained book knowledge!

Annie

Specializes in Critical Care.
I didn't know that, thanks for sharing. I was a GN for exactly 10 days before I took my NCLEX. My preceptor constantly told me that she was responsible for any mistakes I made, and that it was on her license. I never thought to look up that information. I appreciate you correcting me!

Still...OP....take the test.

It is, provided they don't double check your work. They are ultimately responsible for all patient care.

I totally agree with others who say to take the NCLEX right away. You get out of the flow of NCLEX type questions. We were strongly encourage to take it right away and my school had a 98-100% pass rate first time.

Yes, I am aware that a GN doesn't have their license. I was just asking what their job duties are compared to an RN. And I am waiting a bit to take my NCLEX because I'm in an accelerated program, there is a lot they didn't teach us that I will have to study on my own. Thanks everyone

Sorry but this doesn't sound like a good idea. You don't want to have the stress of both being on orientation and having to study for the NCLEX. Take the NCLEX as soon as you can while the information is still fresh in your memory and you still have good study habits. That way, you have one less stressor to worry about.

This is the truth. I graduated in May. Went to Kaplan the same month. Took the NCLEX the first available date in June. I'm in a new job which requires a lot of book work for their orientation. I couldn't imagine doing both at the same time. Each is stressful enough.

Yes, I am aware that a GN doesn't have their license. I was just asking what their job duties are compared to an RN. And I am waiting a bit to take my NCLEX because I'm in an accelerated program, there is a lot they didn't teach us that I will have to study on my own. Thanks everyone

So, you understand it's not actually a job by itself? It's a job contingent that you pass nclex in a specific time period?

I just read from your post that you would apply and work as a GN until you decided to take your nclex which would be when you decide to take it. And that's not how it works. I hope you understand that.

What is it you think your program isn't teaching you? Are they at all focusing on nclex? NCLEX is not necessarily what you think it is. It doesn't delve deep into pathophysiology. It's all about safety. How will you safely operate as a nurse.

Please don't think you are going to spend 3 months studying content and that will help you pass. NCLEX is unlike any test you have ever taken.

I just don't understand the responsibilities, and I can work as a GN as long as I pass my NCLEX within a year... And I do not plan on waiting that long.

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
I just don't understand the responsibilities, and I can work as a GN as long as I pass my NCLEX within a year... And I do not plan on waiting that long.

Verify what your state allows. The GN temporary practice permit (or whatever different states may call it) is an antiquated system that was intended to allow graduates to work while waiting to take the state boards, which were only offered twice a year. In light of the fact that NCLEX is now computerized and offered pretty much daily, some states have done away with the actual role of a GN who is granded a temporary practice permit. If your facility hires you as a GN but your state doesn't alllow GNs to practice, then you can only do the work of a CNA/patient care tech or you would be practicing without a license and outside of your scope of practice. Many facilities won't even hire a GN but make it contingent on passing NCLEX before the applicant is approved to start.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Statistics are VERY clear that the longer you wait to take NCLEX, the higher failure rates go, with a dramatic rise after about 5 weeks. There is no good reason to wait to take your licensing exam. Rethink your plan. You will never be able to study enough to make up for any deficits in your accelerated program. If your program was not accredited then that is unfortunate and your odds of passing are dramatically lower to begin with. If it is, it covered everything it should have.

GNs do the same thing as RNs do under the preceptorship of an RN.

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