[LyndseyER]

Hi I was wondering how far from graduation should you start applying for jobs? I grad in May 08 and not sure when I should start applying.
Thanks

[SMK1]

I graduate in March and was planning to start applying right after Christmas time. This way I will know what my preceptorship will be for my last quarter and I've heard that holidays aren't the times that management hires a lot of people. (I will be checking this info out though!)

[doglover1]

I'm also graduating May '08 and looking now at a Sr. Nursing Associate/Aide /Intern position that will allow me to work PRN. I don't think it is totally necessary to get a job when we graduate but I know exactly what hospital and floor I want to work at so I am trying to do what I can to get my foot in the door now to increase my odds of being offered an RN position in the Spring on that floor. There is one other hospital that is on my "A" list and I have been told through the grapevine that they have already selected the majority of their graduate nurses as they are currently working as Aides/Interns and will not be attending job fairs in December because of it. I think that's a pretty generalized statement due to the size of the hospital (BIG), but just what I've heard. My interview is next week. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. Good luck to you too!

[sshannon]

Originally Posted by lynnzee33

Hi I was wondering how far from graduation should you start applying for jobs? I grad in May 08 and not sure when I should start applying.
Thanks

I am graduating in December, and I put my first application in at the beginning of my final semester. Had the job I wanted within one month. Don't wait too long...the best spots go fast.

[Tanzanite]

I had 3 close friends apply and accept jobs before they took their NCLEX, all 3 failed. ( 2 lost their job and the 3rd was demoted & lost her benefits.) Another friend and myself waited to pass the NCLEX before taking a job, we fortunately passed first time.

It just depends on how confident you are willing to gamble on the NCLEX.

[HM2Viking]

We were told to start applying in Sept for Dec graduation. Now I haven't formally applied for a position as I have a job with benefits that will keep the lights on while I study for NCLEX. I know in MN that we can practice under a grad permit for an extra 60 bucks but I personally don't think that is a good gamble. Get the license in your hand before you start a job. I think it is harder to lose your license than it was to get it. If you get a job offer negotiate the start date to post NCLEX passage.

Just my 2 cents....

[nurz2be]

Originally Posted by lynnzee33

Hi I was wondering how far from graduation should you start applying for jobs? I grad in May 08 and not sure when I should start applying.
Thanks

Most of our Students have jobs or sign contracts almost 6 months before graduation. I just assumed all schools had job fairs and invited RN directors from area hospitals and physician offices. I guess that is why they say one should not assume.

[missfitness226]

Hey, our main local hospital has a specific time for new grads to apply.. so for those of us graduating in May, applications are accepted from Jan 1st until March. Good Luck to you all! We're almost there!

[laurainri]

in my area we start 3-4 months before you graduate. we are allowed to work as a graduate nurse before we take the nclex and we have up to 6 months to take it. they pay for a kaplan review here and another weeklong class time just so they know you are going to pass the first time. have a job already when I graduate in december and I knew about it in the beginning of october

[laurainri]

in my area we start 3-4 months before you graduate. we are allowed to work as a graduate nurse before we take the nclex and we have up to 6 months to take it. they pay for a kaplan review here and another weeklong class time just so they know you are going to pass the first time. I have a job already when I graduate in december and I knew about it in the beginning of october