When's the best time to apply?

Nurses New Nurse

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Good morning everyone,

I'm finishing up my ADN this summer. We're scheduled for mid-July, no later than August 1st to graduate. Anyway, one classmate has already had an interview and another is in the process. Should I start applying for jobs now, or should I wait until a little closer to the summer? I'm moving out of state, so I'm not competing with the rest of the students in this area, but even still I would just like to know do I need to start sooner rather than later.

Also, which is the best approach, apply for the job online, or call first to inquire? I'm infamous for calling and calling until you're sick of me, but I just need to know the best method for locking in a job. Thanks so much for your help.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Critical Care, LTC.

I would say start applying online, now. Our class graduates May 2008 most of the class start appying in feb.; starting interviewing in march. Because of these actions most of the class have accepted job offers.

I hopes this helps

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Specializes in RN- Med/surg.

Now- I graduated last May...and we started applying soon after the new year.

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Specializes in Freelance Writer, 'the nurse who knows content'.

I think it depends on whether or not your state allows you to practice under a "Graduate Nurse" license. If so, apply now. If not, wait until you have your license in-hand (ie: you have passed the NCLEX).

I say this because the state where I am completing my BSN does allow GNs to practice, and most of my classmates already have jobs. However, my husband is being transferred to a state that does not offer a GN license, and those recruiters have told me they won't even talk to me until I have my license in hand. Hence, I cannot start job hunting until June (after I pass the NCLEX).

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
I think it depends on whether or not your state allows you to practice under a "Graduate Nurse" license. If so, apply now. If not, wait until you have your license in-hand (ie: you have passed the NCLEX).

Good point, I never thought about that aspect of it. The fact that you mention it I believe the state I'm going to does not hire graduates who are in the "license pending" stage, or nurse applicant as its called here. Thanks so much, I appreciate it

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I think it depends on whether or not your state allows you to practice under a "Graduate Nurse" license. If so, apply now. If not, wait until you have your license in-hand (ie: you have passed the NCLEX).

I say this because the state where I am completing my BSN does allow GNs to practice, and most of my classmates already have jobs. However, my husband is being transferred to a state that does not offer a GN license, and those recruiters have told me they won't even talk to me until I have my license in hand. Hence, I cannot start job hunting until June (after I pass the NCLEX).

Good luck to you!

Hello there! I was just wondering how you find out if your state allows you to work as a GN? I live in southern california and this is the first of me hearing about this. Thanks for the help and reading this post!!

Nikki

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Specializes in ER; HBOT- lots others.

i cant believe you school hasnt told you any of this. weird! ask your dean or some instructor.

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i cant believe you school hasnt told you any of this. weird! ask your dean or some instructor.

Its called an "interim permit". You apply for it when you mail in your application for licensure during your last semster of school. It allows you to work while your awaiting to take your NCLEX.

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i cant believe you school hasnt told you any of this. weird! ask your dean or some instructor.

Somedayrn, I meant to address my answer to noneil680. I accidently responded to your response. sorry.

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Specializes in Cardiac.
I think it depends on whether or not your state allows you to practice under a "Graduate Nurse" license. If so, apply now. If not, wait until you have your license in-hand (ie: you have passed the NCLEX).

My state does not have "GN" status. However, I had my job secured in March -2.5 months before I graduated.

And I took the last new grad spot at the time. Had I not looked early, I wouldn't be working where I am today...

So, regardless of state-start looking now.

Good luck!

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Thanks for all the info girls!!

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I was supposed to graduate next month and I had started applying for jobs in the beginning of November. The recruiters from some of the more competative hospitals requested the applications no latter than November for May grads. Six to Seven months seems a little extreme to me, but I think it would be a lot easier to concentrate on school if I already had my job lined up. I don't know I would rather apply too early than apply too late.

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