What kind of job can I get with an ADN but no license?

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In May of 2012, with a lot of hard work and student loan debt I graduated nursing school at 26 years of age. When I applied for boards my application was denied because I had an arrest record I wasn't aware of. When I was 18 I was wrongfully arrested and charges were dismissed. TWO YEARS after graduating, spending more money I didn't have on an attorney, my "record" was expunged and I was approved to take NCLEX. Since nursing school I have been working in bars and clubs to keep myself afloat. I have now failed the nclex three times. I'm 29 years old, a single mother to a 6 month old baby getting zero child support and practically homeless. We've been staying on family members couches and I've been selling all my belongings. I can't work in bars because of the mass amount of baby weight I put on. Of course, because of all this I am very depressed.

Where can a associate degreed non licensed nurse make a LIVEABLE wage?

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

You could probably work as a patient sitter but I would save the money and take a board refresher course and retry your boards. Good luck.

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Maybe look into taking a live review course.

I have seen case managers job posting that require either a degree in a social science (psych, social work) or nursing... Not sure if they'd still want a license though.

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Thank you. I will look into both of these. Although, I did do the hurst review for boards.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Maybe look into taking a live review course.

I have seen case managers job posting that require either a degree in a social science (psych, social work) or nursing... Not sure if they'd still want a license though.

Usually they need a license and a bachelor's degree at a minimum for case management.

I second in person review/refresher

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Don't give up on nursing. Dust off those books, save up for a review class and re-take NCLEX.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Without the RN license, an ADN degree is basically useless in the job market. Therefore, I echo the suggestions of previous posters who advised you to attend a refresher course so you can make another attempt at NCLEX. Good luck to you!

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I appreciate y'all taking the time to respond. I hate to sound so negative, but I feel like I've already poured my heart and soul into nursing. I gave nursing school every thing I've got. I paid for the review AND $325 to take the NCLEX three times. I'm homeless, in a lot of debt, and I need to care for myself and a baby. I feel like finding an extra $325 for application and test and at least $300 for a review is just like throwing money into a wishing well. I graduated 3 years ago. I just want to find a job with a Liveable wage. I want to afford to get us into an apartment, get childcare and take care of us.

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I can understand your frustrations. Is there anyone that can tutor you and help you understand what areas you are struggling with to pass NCLEX. It won't make sense to keep taking it if you do not fully understand what you are doing wrong that is preventing you from passing.

It might seem unfortunate, but the PPs are correct that you can not really find a good paying nursing job without passing NCLEX. Its just part of what you need to do to be a nurse in the U.S.

I hope you can find a way to pass. I hope things turn around for you soon.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

You possibly could get a job as medical assistant in doctors office, But I strongly advise saving anything for another review....you know the ans appear to have several correct ans, but critical thinking, helps choose the "rightest"

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I appreciate y'all taking the time to respond. I hate to sound so negative, but I feel like I've already poured my heart and soul into nursing. I gave nursing school every thing I've got. I paid for the review AND $325 to take the NCLEX three times. I'm homeless, in a lot of debt, and I need to care for myself and a baby. I feel like finding an extra $325 for application and test and at least $300 for a review is just like throwing money into a wishing well. I graduated 3 years ago. I just want to find a job with a Liveable wage. I want to afford to get us into an apartment, get childcare and take care of us.

If you continue wanting without taking action, I suspect that you'll continue to be disappointed. The world doesn't care what we want or need. To get what you desire, you have to put in the effort and actually accomplish something. You have to succeed.

Failure doesn't pay. Wishing doesn't pay. Only action makes dreams come true, so get your head out of the clouds and make it happen.

I'm not sure I believe in luck, so I will wish you strength.

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Let me clarify. I'm not "wanting" to just be a nurse with no license. Or "wishing" for things to get better. I worked very hard to get through nursing school. I was seeing if anyone knew of others jobs that would appreciate all the work I did in college.

I think anyone who makes it through nursing school has put in a LOT of effort. I have put in a lot of effort, all my money, and time into this.

However, Perhaps I am being too negative. The odds seem against me, not being able to take NCLEX until 2 years after graduation, reading about new grads not finding jobs and

I just found out last night about my 3rd fail. I have recently taken hurst. I took Kaplan to help me pass exit exams two years ago(these were very monotone and hard to follow). I also tried the one the board offers ($50 for three weeks) I don't think I got the full use out of this one because I used it in combination with hurst, taking care of the baby, and babysitting twins 50 hours a week.

Does anyone know the best review for someone who needs as big of a refresher as I do? I feel good about my core content. I think I need more help with critical thinking and practicing questions.

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