When should I start applying for jobs?

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm graduating from my LPN program December 17th, and my instructor said the earliest we'll be able to take our boards is mid to late January because it takes the state that long to process our paperwork and give us PTT. I plan on taking my boards in February since I'm moving in January and that's not really waiting (my instructor also stresses not waiting more than 3 months to take your boards, and the sooner the better).

I'll be in my new apartment January 15th, but because I'm moving back to my hometown, I won't really need any time to acclimate and even if the apartment isn't unpacked or whatever, it's all good.

When should I start sending my resume out and applying for jobs? I have a list of places where I'd like to work (either of the peds offices, family medicine office, urgent care or Planned Parenthood). I just finished my first week of school for this semester, so I know it's early, but I want to make sure I don't wait too long.

Like I said, I plan on taking my boards as early in February as I can, and hoping that I can get hired as a GPN and then when I pass obviously be an LPN.

When should I start applying, or at least sending cover letters/resumes out?

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That depends on the market you're looking at. Some areas won't even look at you until you have a license in hand. In other places, the hospital representatives actually come to you, at school, before graduation.

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I'm in Upstate NY (don't want to give an exact location, but let's just say about a half hour from Cortland.

I go to school in WNY, but am moving back home, 3 hours away, and at home, the county hospital doesn't even hire LPNs, plus, a hospital would be the LAST place I would want to work anyway!

Like I said, I'm looking at pediatrician offices, GP offices, urgent cares and Planned Parenthood.

And I'm definitely NOT staying in Buffalo. I hate it here which is why I've already gotten a lease drawn up for back home starting January 15th.

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Specializes in L&D.

I graduate in december. I'm submitting applications to a few New grad residency programs on the 1st of september. Early Bird gets the worm.

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.

In Oregon you have to have license in hand before you can even begin orientation (the two days or so where they show you powerpoints about whatever model they use for professionalism that inevitably has pillars that support good patient care... I digress). As a result, most employers won't even interview you unless your resume lists an active OR license. YMMV, check with your state.

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I know in NY you don't have to have a license to be hired. You can be hired as a GN (graduate nurse) on the conditions that you'll pass your boards in X amount of time.

I also know that for PP I don't even need to be a nurse to work there as medical associate or whatever they call them, but I'm sure having nursing school behind me will give me a leg up in getting hired there.

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I would look at your local hometown paper, and see what you can find as far as who is hiring. I would also access the websites of PP and any other thoughts of where you would like to be. I would also try Urgent Care, and think about applying for flu clinics, home health....

Start accessing specifcs of where you want to be.

Draw up your resume, which if you have healthcare experience, highlight it along with your LPN studies. Send in those resumes. Follow up with phonecalls if you do not hear from people.

I would do it now.

Best wishes!

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