Need info. on getting a job before graduation

[RN123456789]

Hi all, my question is should a senior nursing student try to get a job, preferably in nicu or labor and delivery, before graduating or becoming licensed? Did anyone out there do this? Are employers willing to hire? Is it better to wait until after graduation or after obtainning a license?I will be graduating in May 2004 and am getting a little anxious. I am doing my senior mentorship on a level 2 nursery, should I wait until after proving myself and making a good impression? If I want to work at that particular hospital, I am not sure if they hire new grads. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :confused:

[RN123456789]

Originally posted by seniorstudent

Hi all, my question is should a senior nursing student try to get a job, preferably in nicu or labor and delivery, before graduating or becoming licensed? Did anyone out there do this? Are employers willing to hire? Is it better to wait until after graduation or after obtainning a license?I will be graduating in May 2004 and am getting a little anxious. I am doing my senior mentorship on a level 2 nursery, should I wait until after proving myself and making a good impression? If I want to work at that particular hospital, I am not sure if they hire new grads. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :confused:

[zambezi, BSN, RN]

I personally do not work in NICU/LD...however, the hiring process is similar for each unit. My advice would we to call the NM for the unit that you are interested in...the sooner the better, IMHO. Ask the NM if new grads are hired, what kind of orientation program there is, if you can come and see the unit if you have not been there. I know that our hospital hires New Grads in each of these places. Also contact human resources as they will be able to give you hiring packets which ususaly have some reference requirements, fill the paperwork out also, though that can come closer to graduation...