Definition: A graduate nurse (GN) is an individual who has completed an accredited nursing education program and has earned a nursing degree, but who has not yet passed the national licensing examination required to become a registered nurse (RN).
Overview: A graduate nurse is someone who has finished academic coursework and clinical training in nursing, typically through an associate's or bachelor's degree program in nursing (ADN or BSN), but who is not yet licensed to practice independently as a registered nurse. Graduate nurses may work under supervision in certain healthcare settings while awaiting the results of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in the United States or a similar licensing examination in other countries. During this period, their scope of practice is limited and may be governed by specific state or national regulations. Once they pass the licensing exam, they are considered registered nurses and may advance to full practice status.
Etymology/Origin: The term "graduate nurse" originates from the combination of "graduate," denoting the completion of an academic program, and "nurse," referring to a healthcare professional trained in nursing care. Historically, the designation was more commonly used when nursing education took place in hospital-based diploma programs. Today, it remains in use primarily in transitional contexts before licensure.
Characteristics:
- Has completed a nursing curriculum approved by a regulatory authority.
- Eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN or equivalent licensing examination.
- May be permitted to work in a supervised capacity under the title "graduate nurse" or similar designation (e.g., "graduate registered nurse" or "provisional nurse," depending on the jurisdiction).
- Not authorized to perform duties that require a registered nurse license until official licensure is granted.
- The specific rights and responsibilities of a graduate nurse vary by country, state, or province.
Related Topics:
- Registered nurse (RN)
- Nursing licensure
- NCLEX-RN examination
- Nursing education
- Provisional nurse
- Nurse internship programs