When should I start applying for a job?

Goose Xx, MSN, RN, EMT-P, CRNA · May 24, 2013

I was wondering when would be an appropriate time to start applying for my first position as a graduate CRNA. I have approximately 8.5 months of school left and anticipate taking boards in late Feb early March of next year. I'm seeing some enticing jobs posted but don't want to insult the recruiters by applying too early. Nor do I want to make myself look like an idiot applying 8.5 months ahead of time and have them not take me seriously later down the road.
When I was in nursing school, I got my job 3-4 months before graduating. This seems like it would be cutting it too close for anesthesia though, considering credentialing and everything.
What do you all think?

Just finished program and awaiting graduation ceremony in the first week of June. I received my first official job offer in December with a few others while at clinical sites. Never too soon to keep an eye open. Remember one important piece of information, EVERY clinical rotation is a potential job interview for BOTH parties. The anesthesia community is small.

That said, get to clinicals early every day, have your machine ready and set up before preceptor gets in, try and see the patient before your preceptor, no case is to small (I have learned a lot from the simple EGD-Colono), stay late for those hard to come by cases, and don't complain (it is okay to vent with classmates in private - it will keep you sane), and have a baseline understanding of the surgery (nothing speaks volumes if the surgeon is pimping their student and surgical resident has no clue, and you provide the correct answer - that will speak volumes to your preparedness and will give you more credibility)

You can start talking to recruiters at state conferences. Worst that happens is that you get to know them and they may want your information. Good contact can't hurt.

Credentialing is a pain. They can start the process before you take boards, but need that pesky license before everything is complete. And it is state dependent. Wisconsin is fairly quick, and we can send in for our license before sitting for boards so that once you pass, everything is in place. I have friends in Illinois that will have to wait 4-8 weeks after they submit their paperwork with successful exam result. Thankfully my employer has all the information about licensing, NPI number, DEA application and more.

Good luck on your last bit of clinical and with your future job search.

MeTheRN, BSN, MSN, RN · May 25, 2013

Wisconsin is fairly quick, and we can send in for our license before sitting for boards so that once you pass, everything is in place.

That is amazing! Thanks for the advice.