Interviewing for RN positions before graduation

mom2rosebudbaby · Oct 30, 2002

Hi, I'm new to the board,

I am wondering how many other student nurses who will be graduating in December are already interviewing for RN positions?

I am applying at several hospitals and dreading the interviews!!

But I am really anxious to make sure I have a job lined up for January. I would appreciate hearing from other December Grads.

Also if you have a job lined up what unit will it be on.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Gardengal · Nov 2, 2002

We started seeing the December graduates coming in for interviews in early October. You're smart to go out and see what jobs are out there and available. The holidays will be much more fun if you know you have a job lined up. We're all out there waiting for you.

sjoe · Nov 3, 2002

Good advice. You might as well get a job before you graduate. One less thing to think about. I nailed mine over two semesters before I finished school, and it's not a big deal.

renerian, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2002

I got my first job as an RN weeks before I graduated. On the floor I wanted too.

renerian

susanmary · Nov 3, 2002

Don't feel anxious and that you HAVE to have a job lined up. YOU are in control of your career and life -- don't rush into anything. Nothing to dread regarding the interviews. Just be yourself and relax. You will do fine. You are very marketable -- shadow the

job(s) you are considering, make certain that you will get a good orientation, and negotiate for good salary. Don't settle. Congratulations with getting through nursing school.

irismae · Nov 8, 2002

I am graduating in December. I was offered an ICU position at the first hospital I interviewed at (which was my 1st choice of hospitals) just today. It's nice to have a job lined up, so that you do not have to worry about it - just concentrate on the NCLEX and the holidays. The interview wasn't so bad, although I did get asked some "what would you do in this situation" clinical questions. You might as well start now so, you don't panic and rush it at the end and accept a position at a hospital you really don't like. Also, if you can try to go to the New Grad open houses offered at some hospitals, I found that helpful. Nursing career fairs are good to go to as well. I attended two and was able to get applications and speak to nurse recruiters at all the hospitals I wanted to apply at.

Just relax, be yourself and let your excitement to begin nursing show!

Good luck.

FutureIsBlue, LPN, LVN · Jun 8, 2006

*bump*

I will be a December graduate too.

colleennurse, ASN, RN · Jun 10, 2006

I graduated this May and I had my job by the end of January. You should not have a problem getting a job, no matter when you look. I was very nervous to interview, because I worked at the same job for 6 years previous to this. I researched interview questions and such. They hardly asked me anything! It is not too early! Good luck!

K98 · Jun 10, 2006

We graduate next week, most of my class began interviewing in March. Everyone has a job (or a bunch of offers) lined up. I start July 3rd.

MIA-RN1, RN · Jun 10, 2006

My NM has been joking that I really like to plan ahead--I graduated in May and have had my job lined up since the beginning of November!!

Just go in, be yourself and don't let anyone talk you out of pursuing the aspects of nursing that you are interested in. You will find people are divided between starting in Med-Surg or starting in a specialty...follow your dream.

I love Maternity nursing and am now a Post-Partum nurse. I plan to be there for a year at the minimum before trying out new waters. I also love the fast-pace of the emergency room and ended up running into one of the NM's for the ED and we sat and had a nice talk (networking!) and he outlined how I can get myself to the ED and stated that I just have to let him know and he will help me. He said I might be able to do some per-diem down there to get my feet wet but since I am still on orientation, I can call him later on.

The point of this is that its never too early, and probably never too late but who wants to push it Go for it!