Work as a graduate nurse or pass the NCLEX first?

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Specializes in float pool.

I will be graduating in December with my ADN and will be joining the 300+ other people applying for our rural hospital med-surg floor. I have heard conflicting views regarding working as a graduate nurse and studying while working for the NCLEX exam versus waiting to begin working after passing the NCLEX. Our hospital only hires new grads during the last month of nursing school (yes, it is only that way to add to the stress that is nursing school), so I basically have the option to get ahead and get the job, but run the risk of not passing the NCLEX the first time or wait, guarantee passage, but then pray there is still an opening. The risk my teachers tell me about is related to getting into the "real world" and out of the "NCLEX world" and failing the test because new experience out of school will get in the way with what the texts say. Of course this sounds completely wrong that experience should prevent me from doing well, but in my final rotation I am seeing nursing students that were hired during school working as CNAs because they have failed the test.

Just how much of a risk is it to work as a graduate nurse in relation to passing the NCLEX?

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You run the risk of being dismissed if you don't pass. Or, at least, creating a bad impression, if they allow you to revert to CNA status. You will put your mind at ease to have a valid license when you apply for work.

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Specializes in float pool.

Thanks caliotter3,

My issue is that with so many people applying, they will be able to fill all the positions even before I have an appointment for the exam. Then I will be without a job for months because the hospital doesn't hire until the end of the following semester for nurses with 0 experience. I have some nurses on the floor that are already asking me to get my resume in (which is nice!), but I don't want to end up as a CNA because I picked up too much "real life" before testing. I am also torn because I don't want to lose these connections to the job by not applying when they asked because 300 people are a lot to compete with for 15 jobs. If it wasn't so rural, I would just walk to the next place and apply, but there is a culture here that requires a few years on a med-surg floor before you can apply to any private employers.

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Specializes in Urgent Care NP, Emergency Nursing, Camp Nursing.

The State of Illinois does not permit Graduate Nurses to work as nurses, so here at least you HAVE to pass the NCLEX before you go work. Check your state's Nurse Practice Act if you've not already done so.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

In this economy you will be lucky to get job before your license. Many hospitals do not hire IP status. The NCLEX takes a lot of time and dedication to study for, you will not be focused or have the proper amount of time when training to be a new grad.

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If you can get a job take it. The NCLEX is often built up into something far greater than it is. If you study hard you can certainly work and pass the NCLEX at the same time.

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Specializes in Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery Recovery.

Look at other hospitals besides just your rural one. I don't know if you have a family or if you can up and go, but most moderately large hospitals have a "student nurse tech" position (it may be called something different in your area). These positions only require minimal hours per month (8 at my hospital). That way you can have plenty of NCLEX study time AND a foot in the door.

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I don't know. I've never heard of student nurses working as nurses BEFORE taking the NCLEX....I don't see how they allow that considering you don't even have a license, weird. Anyway....I don't know. Good luck though!

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I don't know. I've never heard of student nurses working as nurses BEFORE taking the NCLEX....I don't see how they allow that considering you don't even have a license, weird. Anyway....I don't know. Good luck though!

You actually aren't a student anymore. You are classified as a graduate nurse and depending on your state you can work x amount of time or until you fail the NCLEX. It's pretty common where I'm from to work as a GN..

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I'd go ahead and start applying now for jobs.

As far as you working before you pass the boards...first, check your state's BON to see if you can even work as a GN. If you can, go for it!

Two things...remember that the NCLEX tests the "ivory tower" world of nursing, and some things you'll learn on the job (e.g., shortcuts) might not fall into that world...so don't let your working experience influence you when taking the test.

Also, keep in mind that if you fail the NCLEX, in most (if not all states) you can no longer work as a GN. That means you're out of the nursing job and the employer has no obligation to hold it open for you until you pass...especially since you usually have to wait 45 days before you can retake the NCLEX. That's not to add pressure...but it's something you should be aware of.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

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You actually aren't a student anymore. You are classified as a graduate nurse and depending on your state you can work x amount of time or until you fail the NCLEX. It's pretty common where I'm from to work as a GN..

Oh ok, thanks for the clarification. Now that you've explained it, I think I have heard of it.

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