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

Nurses General Nursing

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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?

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

See if you can get some nclex books that come with CDs with practice questions out of the library. Not sure if you've heard of the Prioritization delegation and assignment book by Linda Lacharity..many say that is a required read. I think you should save up money to take nclex again and then stop working and study like for month straight with no distractions. If you are living with family this could work. Where did your score report say you needed help with? Also make sure to keep up with some of the basics like growth and development and the proper way to do CPR. You may want to give ncsbn another chance. So the plan is save and then study with no distractions.

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There are many apps and books. I suggest going to your local bookstore like Barnes and Nobles and read through practice books. I think answering mock questions over and over will help refresh things for you. I don't see how being overweight means you can't work in a bar to support your family in the meantime.. I don't hit up the bar scene much now, but they have always had staff of all sizes.

Do not give up yet. You need to find a job to support your family (single parent or not) and make time to study. It sounds like you have a great support system so rely on them to help when they can. Good luck.

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Right now, you need to get back on your feet. Once you have some stability, try the NCLEX again.

I'd look for a live-in nanny position. I've known plenty of nannies that brought their kids to the job. Even with no license, education in nursing is probably attractive to parents.

Some elderly people have live-in care as well. The kid might be a tougher sell, but I can imagine some would love it.

Or, look under "skilled trades" on Craigslist. Some contractors will train and some of those jobs pay well.

I've see ads for lab techs too. With the amount of science you've taken, you might qualify. (Industry/commercial, not healthcare).

You might qualify for some social services jobs.

Think outside the box. It doesn't have to be healthcare-related. You can come back to nursing when you are ready.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

This website has reviews and quizzes, and the person who runs the website also does individual tutoring and has tutoring packages. Perhaps when you get your report that breaks down where you did well and where you need work, you could just get the tutoring that covers your weak areas.

There are some free resources at the site and some quizzes. I can't speak to it from personal exp., but I have seen several people here say that it helped them pass NCLEX.

Delegation, Prioritization, Infection Control, Pearson Vue Trick Ultimate Guide & Tutoring for the NCLEX

*I hope posting this is not against TOS. I've seen it referenced here before, and I have no stake in the site whatsoever.

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There are many apps and books. I suggest going to your local bookstore like Barnes and Nobles and read through practice books. I think answering mock questions over and over will help refresh things for you. I don't see how being overweight means you can't work in a bar to support your family in the meantime.. I don't hit up the bar scene much now, but they have always had staff of all sizes.

Do not give up yet. You need to find a job to support your family (single parent or not) and make time to study. It sounds like you have a great support system so rely on them to help when they can. Good luck.

B&N has caught on to the whole, read and study from the books without buying them thing with nursing texts and study material. At least they have in the B&N around me. ALL the NCLEX books are now behind the register counter Most can't be thumbed through b/c they are in shrink wrap. Some will take the shrink wrap off for you to look through it but only standing at the counter. They don't allow you to go sit with the book any more.

Maybe take a look at your local library. Perhaps they have some NCLEX study books you can look through.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Kahn Academy has a free video NCLEX prep series online.

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B&N has caught on to the whole, read and study from the books without buying them thing with nursing texts and study material. At least they have in the B&N around me. ALL the NCLEX books are now behind the register counter Most can't be thumbed through b/c they are in shrink wrap. Some will take the shrink wrap off for you to look through it but only standing at the counter. They don't allow you to go sit with the book any more.

Maybe take a look at your local library. Perhaps they have some NCLEX study books you can look through.

Hmmm.. Ours does not do this yet. Some have shrink wrap on them, but I'll be honest - I would take it off. I wouldn't buy an expensive text like that without reviewing it first.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

I agree with the live-in nanny comment. You'd have room, access to Internet, and would be able to put some money in the bank.

When you're ready, I would try the 8 week refresher using the NCSBN review. That way you can review 2 hours a day for 6 days a week and then always have a complete day off that you can focus on non-nursing things. That way you're not overwhelmed. I don't know where you live, but I know there a live in nanny jobs in Florida.

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Specializes in ICU.

Did your Hurst review come with the pass or money back guarantee? I would contact Hurst and explain your situation--they may allow you to retake the course because you have yet to pass the NCLEX.

Personally, I would get in to a serving position. While not ideal, if you get into a busy chain restaurant it's typically good money and fairly easy. Schedules at corporate/chain restaurants are flexible. Contact Hurst, retake the class, pass NCLEX while working to support the two of you. Don't give up on your hard work!

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I know someone who wasn't able to pass the NCLEX for similar reasons (stressful life situations that delayed his ability to take it). He ended up taking the NCLEX-PN and passing, and now works as an LPN. So, you might look into that as an option.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Did your Hurst review come with the pass or money back guarantee? I would contact Hurst and explain your situation--they may allow you to retake the course because you have yet to pass the NCLEX.

Personally, I would get in to a serving position. While not ideal, if you get into a busy chain restaurant it's typically good money and fairly easy. Schedules at corporate/chain restaurants are flexible. Contact Hurst, retake the class, pass NCLEX while working to support the two of you. Don't give up on your hard work!

Hurst guarantee is only for first attempts within a specific time after graduation if you completed all modules and videos. And you had to graduate from an accredited school of nursing. Kaplan guarantee is for failed first attempts within six months of graduating from an accredited school of nursing. Unfortunately the guarantee won't apply to the OP's scenario

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Back in the stone age I used Mosby's Comprehensive Nursing Review. The whole book was NCLEX questions and answers, grouped in specialties. Really helpful to understand how the questions are worded and what kind of answers they are looking for. Also helpful in finding out where your strengths already are, and what you need to spend more time on.

Good luck. Some day, this will all seem like a bad dream and you will have role-modeled strength and resilience for your child.

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