You Did It! You Passed the NCLEX-RN in New York: Now What?
Congratulations, superstar! You conquered the NCLEX-RN, the Everest of nursing exams. Time to dust off your metaphorical crampons and celebrate - because let's be honest, studying for that thing was about as thrilling as watching paint dry (unless you're into that kind of thing, no judgment!). But enough about the past, the exciting world of actually being a nurse awaits!
Here's your not-so-serious guide to navigating the post-NCLEX world in the Big Apple:
Step 1: Revel in Your Awesomeness (Seriously, Do It)
- Brag a little (or a lot): Tell everyone you know! Post that selfie in your cap and gown (because #nurselife, duh). You earned this moment, flaunt it like a boss.
- Treat yo' self: Did you spend the last few months living on ramen noodles and existential dread? Splurge on something nice. A massage, a fancy dinner, that new stethoscope you've been eyeing – go wild (within reason, student loans are still a thing).
- Do a victory dance (even if you have two left feet): Nobody's watching (probably), so let loose and celebrate your accomplishment!
Step 2: Get Licensed, Buttercup (It's Not Magic)
- The New York Board of Nursing (NYBON) isn't handing out magical RN badges just yet. Check their website for instructions on applying for your license. It shouldn't take too long, but hey, patience is a virtue, right?
- Background check blues? Don't worry, unless you have a past that makes James Bond look tame, you'll be fine.
Step 3: Job Hunting: May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
- With your shiny new license in hand, it's time to find your dream job! Think about the kind of nursing you want to do. Pediatrics? Geriatrics? Emergency room chaos? The possibilities are endless (almost).
- Polish up that resume. Highlight your nursing school achievements, any clinical experience you have, and those amazing soft skills that make you, well, you.
- Network, network, network! Let everyone know you're on the job hunt. Hit up old classmates, professors, or that friendly nurse you met while volunteering at the clinic. You never know who might have a lead.
Step 4: Consider Your Options: Beyond the Bedside
- Being a bedside nurse is awesome, but it's not the only path. Think about your interests. Do you have a passion for research? Look into research nurse positions.
- Techy tendencies? Informatics nursing might be your jam.
- The point is, there's a whole world of nursing out there waiting to be explored. Don't be afraid to think outside the box!
Step 5: Welcome to the Jungle, Baby (But Hopefully Not Literally)
- Nursing school doesn't prepare you for everything. There will be bumps in the road, moments of pure frustration, and maybe even a few (okay, a lot) of bodily fluids. But hey, that's all part of the adventure, right?
- Find a mentor. Having a seasoned nurse to guide you through the craziness is invaluable.
- Never stop learning. The medical field is constantly evolving, so stay curious and keep your skills sharp.
Bonus Round: You've Got Questions, We've Got (Short) Answers!
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
| What To Do After Passing Nclex New York |
How to Apply for My NY RN License?
Head over to the New York Board of Nursing website and follow the instructions.
How Long Does it Take to Get My License?
It usually doesn't take too long, but check with the NYBON for specific processing times.
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
Do I Need a Job Before I Get My License?
Nope! You can apply for jobs while you wait for your license to arrive.
What Kind of Nurse Should I Be?
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
The kind that excites you! Explore different specialties and see what fits your interests.
Is Being a Nurse Hard?
Yes, but also incredibly rewarding. You'll be challenged, but you'll also make a real difference in people's lives.
So there you have it, future New York nurse extraordinaire! Now go forth and conquer the world (or at least your first patient's grumpy demands for more Jello).