Advice needed for new grad: Job search!

epiphany · Jun 1, 2005

I was wondering how many of you had a job lined up for right after graduation?
I would like to begin working as soon as i graduate, after passing the NCLEX of course!
But how did you go about it? Open houses, sending out letters of interest?
Also, i would like to begin my career in NICU and was wondering how to begin searching for new grad programs......
Thank you!

I can share my experience with you. I just graduated last week, and I already have 3 job offers. For one of them, during one preceptorship, I went in to make inquiries with the manager. The second one, the manager knew me from my summer internship. And the third, I sent out a resume early May. (seems like they are looking around that time.) Only one of these places will let me work before my Nclex. Not everyone was in hurry to get the engine started like me, but those who started sending out their resume in spring got the jobs they wanted. All my offers are enticing, and I am having a hard time deciding. I have asked for three weeks to make a decision. I am still sending out resumes, because I like to know what's out there.

My advice is to start preparing your resumes as soon as the final semester starts. Attend job fairs, and talk to people to see what's out there. Have someone good help you with your resume and cover letter. When you are in clinicals, take the initiative to approach the managers. Summer internships are almost a surefire way to getting the job if they like you, so choose your institution and your floor wisely. Keep your eyes open, and be alert for opportunities. If you start early, it's stressless, fun, and full of choices.

Hope this has helped. Good luck.