Now that You've Passed the NCLEX-What You Need to Know

You've taken the mother of all tests, the NCLEX. It was grueling but you're finally here. Now, you're waiting to receive your test scores. A lot of questions swirl through your head...

What if I didn't pass the test? What will I do next? Will anyone hire me as a nurse? Will I be a nurse forever? What can I expect for starting salary?

Believe or not you've gone through the hardest part. The rest is relatively easy. To answer your questions: The NCLEX is designed to measure a "minimum" standard of competency. You are not expect to 100% ace the test. If for some reason, you didn't pass the NCLEX, there are special provisions in place to help you until you do. As far as what you'll do next, you're in demand, the field is begging for new talent like you, and yes, you'll be hired as a nurse, once you have your license. And finally, I don't know if you'll be a nurse forever, but many stay in the field, get higher degrees, and like two members of my family, go on to become doctors. Starting salary for emergency room agency nurses can start at $37 an hour.¹ Now here's what you can expect;

Test Results

After taking your exam your official scores will be available within two weeks. However, there is a new program called Quick Results. Quick Results will allow you to get your "unofficial" test scores within two days. Once you get your official test scores, you'll want to keep them in a secure place. Some employers may ask for them along with your license. Too, if you're like a lot of nurses, you may need them should you want to return to college for specialized training and/or a higher degree.

Note: For those who may not have passed the test, hold on, help is available for you. There are provisions available through your school and your state department of nursing to take the test again. For those who need it, you can take the test any number of times, however, the fee must be paid each time you take the test. The fee is $200 in most states. And, refunds are strictly forbidden. Also after a certain number of tries/fails, a student has to get additional training through their school. This is to help boost their chance of success when they take the test next time. The NCLEX is the last part. You've come this far. There's assistance to help you get through the final stage.

Receiving Your License

Once you pass the NCLEX your nursing license is generally sent through the United States Postal Service.

Renewal of Your License

Renewal of your license is required every few years. This encompasses paying a fee which varies from state to state.

Recertification

Every 5-10 years nurses have to re-certify by participating in a continuing education course for a given number of hours mandated by law.

Specialty

Many nurses go on to obtain specialized skills in different medical specialties. Specialization gives a nurse greater medical skills and puts her/him nurse in even more demand.

Workplace Considerations

Of course your jobs skills will be taking blood, measuring and recording vital signs, administering medicine and working with patients that need preventive care up through life threatening trauma. There are many facilities where you can use your nursing skills. Some of the place where nurses are in service are: the military, schools (elementary, middle and high school), in colleges as instructors, private duty in homes, government facilities in infirmaries, clinics, insurance companies, at home through companies likeTelerx, corporate offices, camps, over 55 lifestyle communities, out in the field in a missionary capacity or through the Red Cross, via temporary employment agencies, as legal nurse liaisons in law offices, and of course, in hospitals and nursing homes. This list is by no means exhaustive. Opportunity is everywhere for nurses.

Salary

The pay received as a nurse depends on where you work both physically, geographically and the field in which you work. For example, neonatal, intensive care unit, emergency room and hospice nurses command the greatest salary because of the skill level involved.² In certain areas nurses in inner city facilities command the greatest salary, because of the higher demand associated with emergency care. In other areas can be the reverse. In dollars and cents, straight out of nursing school emergency room agency nurses can start off at $37/hour.¹ Working in a hospital facility the pay is a little lower starting at $29-$32/hour.

Benefits and Perks

The pay is excellent for nurses compared to the level of academic education required and the pay one can command. It is a career whose greatest rewards, however, are the enjoyment received from administering care to others and improving the quality of their patients' lives.

Site Considerations

No matter where a nurse works, one thing holds true, sanitation is of the utmost consideration in the work environment. Outside of that, the variables are numerous. There's a site that will fit the requirements you are looking for.

Sources

1. personal testimony

2. Nursing Advocacy.org

Related Articles

Prepare for a Career as a Nurse