Which states hire pre-NCLEX RNs?

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Jul 26, 2007

I am graduating next month and would like to start working before taking my boards. Does anyone know which states allow this? I want OUT of Massachusetts! Thanks.

RI does...

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 26, 2007

hi,

sorry you hate MA so much, the pay is pretty good though. NH hires new grad nurses, but you only work under temp license until you get your results of NCLEX, so the downside is if you fail you go to working as an aide and making a lot less money. I liked MA becuase you cannot start until you are an RN, so I did not have to worry about giving up my faily good paying job and then getting stuck in a low paying Aide job if I did not pass boards.

The pay in NH is about 5.00-6.00 less per hour, which equates to more money even after taxes especially since I live in NH so tehy take less.

good luck!

Swtooth

Reeney78 · Jul 26, 2007

Hi Laurenann,

Congrats on your upcoming graduation next month- I'll be done next month too and I can't wait!

I know Connecticut WILL hire pre-NCLEX nurses- I'm starting my job in September and won't be sitting for the exam until October.

I am not sure about all of New York, but I know of at least some of the hospitals in NYC will not let you work before you pass the boards. This may be hospital specific or may be a statewide thing, not sure.

Unfortunately I don't know about any other states, but hopefully this helps! Good luck in your job search!

TazziRN, RN · Jul 26, 2007

CA does.

Melanie_RN · Jul 26, 2007

Kentucky does, but they have a new "post-ceptor" program in which you do an additional 120 hours following graduation before you can get your ATT. It really helps everyone out, because by the time you pass boards, you're already oriented to your job and can hit the floor running!

Montessori Mommy · Jul 26, 2007

You can work in NYS as a Graduate Nurse. I believe most hospitals I know of pay RN rate to GNs. You can only work as a GN until you take NCLEX the first time. If you don't pass, you lose your permit. Some hospitals will let you stay on as an aide or tech until you get your RN, while others will not.

BookwormRN · Jul 26, 2007

In WI you can work as a Graduate Nurse. However, if you fail NCLEX, you get bumped down in position and pay--down to Nurse Tech if available...

suzanne4, RN · Jul 26, 2007

States do not hire nurses, only facilities do. You will always have a better job search if you have already passed the NCLEX exam. Employers want to see that you have passed the exam before investing in you in most cases. And most definitely recommend that you take that exam before you even move.

Always easier to do before you make a move to a new state or location. You will have much to do to get settled, as well as starting a new job.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jul 26, 2007

Actually there is no such thing as a "pre-NCLEX RN". In Texas we hire nursing school graduates as "graduate nurses". In my facility they are allowed to work as a new RN, with supervision, till they pass NCLEX. If they fail they may be retained as a CNA or Nurse Extern. If they fail a second time they may be retained as a CNA only. The BON allows them to work as graduate nurses till their ATT date expires or they take NCLEX, whichever comes first. Happily,most pass and we get to keep new nurses.

Jolie, BSN · Jul 26, 2007

IL allows new graduates to work as RNlp (Registered Nurse, licence pending) while waiting to take NCLEX. As with other states, if the candidate fails NCLEX s/he must immediately notify his/her employer and stop working in a professional capacity until s/he passes. Many hospitals will allow the candidate to remain in a PCT position pending the next attempt at NCLEX.

This provision of the IL Nurse Practice Act is in jeopardy, however. The NPA sunsets on January 1, 2008 and proposals for the new act would eliminate the RNlp status. If you live or work in IL and would like to see RNlp status continued, please contact your State senator or representative.