When do I start applying?

[KayceeLeeRN, BSN, RN]

Hey everyone : )

This December I will be a new grad nurse...so I am wondering if you guys can tell me when I should start applying to hospitals. How early/how many months in advance, or should I wait until after graduation? (probably not, I would think) I plan on beginning work ASAP after graduation, and most hospitals around here hire new grads with NCLEX-RN exams pending. I'm just SO THRILLED :yelclap: to be going into my LAST semester, I can't wait to start shopping around for my first job as an RN!

So, what have all you new nurses done?

[smilin_gp]

This is really state/area dependent. I called the local hospitals and asked when they prefer for new grads to apply. Most preferred to receive applications for new grad internships by March- I graduated at the end of May. I was able to begin working very quickly following graduation. Good luck!

[truern]

NC doesn't let new grads work as RNs, so I applied for my position while in my last semester of school. It happened to be on the unit where I was doing my last cllinical. I was hired, but couldn't start work until after I received my license. Orientation begins the 24th :monkeydance:

Remember, your classmates will be out there looking as well as any other schools graduating the same time. Never hurts to get YOUR foot in the door early!

[Montessori Mommy]

I won't be graduating until next May, but I have a question along this same line:

When you first initiate contact with hospitalsfor a job, do you indicate in which area you would liike to work or do you begin with a general interest?

Thanks,

Beth

[smile123]

I won't be graduating until next May, but I have a question along this same line:

When you first initiate contact with hospitalsfor a job, do you indicate in which area you would liike to work or do you begin with a general interest?

Thanks,

Beth

Usually, you indicate an area you are interested in. For example, for some hospitals they make a distinction by adults vs. peds. Then from there they have recruiters split up by different speciality areas (ICUs vs. general floor, etc. They have different recruiters for each section). Good luck.

[mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP]

I also graduate in Dec. and the HR recruiter said they should start posting GN positions in October or so and expect to start interviewing for the GN positions before Thanksgiving with job offers the 1st of Dec. She said it's best to wait until they actually start posting GN positions, otherwise your application and/or resume might get put aside in "the pile" never to be seen again.

[chester427]

I just graduate and was told by several hospitals that I should have applied last fall. I was luck and got a job at the h ospital that I do clinical in but not in the field that I want. Hopefully I will be there in a year.