? about working as an LPN before being registered as an LPN

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 16, 2012

You would be working as a GPN not an LPN as you have no license (GPN = graduate practical nurse who has not yet taken the NCLEX-PN exam). Not all states offer a temporary license to practice (under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse) post graduation while waiting for authorization to test. For example, PA does offer temporary practice permits, NJ does not. You need to contact your board of nursing to determine of temporary practice permits are an option in your state. Generally you apply for the temporary practice permit at the same time you apply for a nursing license.

Edited to add: I saw in another post that you state you are a NE resident. NE BoN only issues temporary practice permites for those endorsing an active license to NE. They do not issue temporary practice permits for new graduates applying for initial licensure.

mermcm83 · May 17, 2012

You can work with your authorization to test form that is sent to you before you test for up too 90 days here in VA...

SurrenderDorothy · May 20, 2012

I was hired and the hospital said I just needed to be licensed within about 60 days or so.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 20, 2012

I was hired and the hospital said I just needed to be licensed within about 60 days or so.

It varies by the state regulations. Check with your board of nursing to ensure you are in compliance, in some states working as a nurse with only a NCLEX ATT or as a NCLEX passer with a pending license could be considered working without a license, a legal violation. Other states automatically issue temporary licenses or upon request. Your mileage may vary.

caliotter3 · May 21, 2012

I have also seen where applicants are informed that they could get their permanent license before getting the temporary one or being able to use a temporary one. Temporary permits to practice were more practical back in the days when computer systems were not used to generate the actual licensing process.