When to start applying for jobs?

Ashley6138 · Apr 24, 2012

I always thought you needed to pass the NCLEX first and get licensed. It's good to know thats not always the case!

mssjez · Apr 24, 2012

While I'm just starting a nursing program this fall, I have friends who are finishing up and will graduate in the next month. One of them has already been hired by a local hospital and will begin a couple weeks after she takes the NCLEX as long as she passes. Another friend of mine is already searching for an applying to jobs. I say go for it. It can't hurt jumping on the ball before other start looking right?

♑ Capricorn ♑ · Apr 24, 2012

It can't hurt to try. The most they can say is "No, not until you get your license". If I was in your shoes, I'd start looking now. I'd get my name and face known out there. I'd decide on a place where'd I'd like to be working at and do everything within my power to make it happen. Get to know the supervisors and managers, nurses, human resources. Pop in and say hello and introduce yourself and explain your situation. Not only once, but several times. They are less likely to forget who you are and will remember you when it comes time for you to start applying. Take advantage of any contacts you may have. Some times just sending out "blind" resumes and applications aren't enough. They can be easily overlooked. Market and sell yourself is key.

Best wishes. :)

noahsmama · Apr 24, 2012

I agree that it doesn't hurt to start looking now. It is possible (at least in most states, if not all?) to work as a "graduate nurse" before you've passed the NCLEX. You have to have graduated NS and be eligible to sit for the NCLEX. You must work under the direct supervision of an RN. In theory you can work under this status for up to 6 months, although most places, if they'll hire you at all under this status, will want you to take and pass the NCLEX by the time your orientation period (i.e. the amount of time that they normally have new grads working with a preceptor) is done. If you flunk the NCLEX, they must, by law, immediately fire you.

You should know though that it's rare these days for hospitals to hire grad nurses before they have their license -- they're taking a huge risk with you, since they have no choice but to let you go if you don't pass the NCLEX. Much safer to hire someone who has already passed the NCLEX. So, do start looking now, but know that many places won't consider you till you've passed the NCLEX -- take it as soon as you can, and then re-apply everywhere if you don't yet have a job.

Good luck!

%63theend · Apr 24, 2012

Yes, my friends who were hired before the NCLEX were hired to work as techs until their licensure came in with the promise they would be promoted to nurse with their licensure- they passed and were promoted as promised. Others were hired with the promise to start work as soon as they passed their licensure.

Thanks everyone for your help!

OKNurse2be · Apr 24, 2012

Although I haven't even started Nursing school yet ( start this fall ) , I have been doing a little investigating, just to see what the market is like and what kind of jobs are available. I know that will change over the next couple of years. What I found is that some hospitals are "new grad friendly" and others are not. I am also fortunate that my college does a career fair every fall and spring and they have a special section with health care jobs. I definitely plan on attending that the spring I will graduate, because the hospital's HR people are at these fairs. Especially one Hospital system here in Oklahoma is "new grad friendly" and that is Integris. They have positions where you can start working at a lower rate of pay before passing NCLEX and as soon as you have your license in hand they bump you up to a staff nurse position with RN pay. I am hopeful, but realistic in the fact that I know that there will be competition for the jobs that are available. My motivation is simply to do my best through school and thereby put my best foot forward. :)

%63theend · Apr 24, 2012

GL! My school has the career fairs as well. I was unable to make it to the one in the spring because it fell on the day of my mid-terms! If I don't have a job by the time the one in the fall rolls around I'll attend (if I hear about it) alumni are welcome. I definitely do see "new grad" jobs pop up once and a while and "internships". I've been applying for those as well as jobs I am not qualified for -just in case- :)

symphie · Apr 24, 2012

I graduate in late July with my BSN as well. I think alot depends on your area. The recruiters from hospitals where I'm from have told us that they are all willing to hire on GN status, which is great, but they don't want to see our applications until mid-late June. This seemed very late in the game to me, possibly because summer semester is so short, but they've all told us the same things.

plajaRN · Apr 25, 2012

I think it depends on the area as well. I am currently in my last term in Portland, Oregon and I think the expectation is, if you want to work in one of the areas hospitals, many people are applying to the internship/residency programs offered through the hospitals. The job market here is pretty dreadful though. Not many prospects for new nurses. I, personally am planning to get licensed in the state of Texas and more there directly after graduation. I would like to know what the expectation is in Texas though, if anyone has any input. I saw a residency program there but I would really prefer to begin working as soon as possible and not spend another 18 weeks in school. Thanks for the help!

-Hannah

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2012

You should be applying now. If hospitals have "new grad programs", they usually have start dates in the summer or fall. If you get offered a job, that job will be contingent on your passing the NCLEX and getting licensed. I wouldn't wait until you graduate or take the NCLEX- by then all the new grad slots will be filled.