Working after graduation and B4 taking NCLEX-RN

[Ecstatic2014]

Hey guys, I forgot where my other thread went.

I am wondering if you guys recommend, or do not recommend me to work between the time I graduate from nursing school to the date of taking the NCLEX-RN.

There is an NCLEX advisor at my nursing school who told the class not to work at all prior to taking the NCLEX.

However, I have known some people who found part-time nurse aid jobs to get their foot in the door of an organization, so that they have an easier time getting hired. There are many hospitals in my area that only hire RN's from within their pool of employees.

For those of you who already took the NCLEX-RN and passed the exam, what were your schedule like after graduation?

I know this time period may vary from state to state, because each state's board of nursing takes X-amount of days to process one's application to give us the ATT.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Actually, most state BONs allow graduate nurses to function as a 'real nurse' prior to NCLEX, so you would not be limited to working as a CNA. OTOH, employers are currently inundated with far more new grad applicants than they can use - so they may only hire after you have passed NCLEX in order to avoid the hassle of dealing with a GN that fails NCLEX (have to be re-classified as a UAP).

It all depends upon your own unique situation. Are you a high-performing student? If so, you can be pretty confident of your ability to pass NCLEX on the first try.

[RunBabyRN]

I think there are a lot of variables to consider. In my case, we can't afford for me to NOT work, and I am hoping to take a temporary job at an old place of work for a few weeks in the interim. I have an RN position waiting for me once I am licensed (they won't let me start with my interim permit).

I have begun studying for the NCLEX, and I take the Kaplan class next week. I plan to spend a significant amount of time between now and NCLEX day studying.

[vnguyen3]

I got hired as a GN right after graduation dec. 2013 started in January 27. Took my nclex on March 3. Schedule wise depends on your employer. We started out 8 weeks in the classroom (2 days a week) while simultaneously working in our units 2 days a week as well.