How early is too early to start hunting?

Nurses Job Hunt

Published

Hello! I graduate with my BSN in may of 2013 and I'm trying to figure out when exactly I should start applying to jobs in my area. I feel like I'm on hold until I graduate and pass the NCLEX. What are your thoughts?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Skin cancer, cardiology, management.

I feel the same way! I'm also graduating this May. If you're interested in nurse residency programs, certain hospital applications are already available. It's best to contact the hospitals you are interested in to see when their applications are available or to directly search nurse residency programs if you are flexible in going wherever a job is offered.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I strongly agree with Kendraj. You need to contact the employers you are interested in NOW and find out FROM THEM what their preferred timetables are. You might find some that want you to apply now because they wrap up their selection process by April ... but you also might find some hospitals want you to wait until after you graduate and/or pass the NCLEX. Each hospital makes its own timetable.

At my hospital, we want to know now who is interested in coming to work for us this summer. There are usually a few slots remaining open for those people who don't apply until April or May ... and a few more slots usually open up in late summer or early fall as some of our staff leaves in the summer ... but most of the most popular placements for new grads get taken by those who apply early.

But it might be different where you live ...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I put in my first app today (I'm graduating in May, as well).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's never too early! Wish I had known that... but yea just send out applications everywhere & I agree that you'll probably have a better chance with a Nurse Residency Program... or getting in internship in a specialty area (if that's what you like).

Good luck to you!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The sooner, the better. Even if some hospitals/employers aren't interested in talking to you until you are licensed, it can't hurt to ask. Best wishes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think it depends . I just started applying in Nov. right after I got my license and what I'm noticing is most are accepting application months before the program starts . Usually in the program description it will tell you when you must have your license. When applying they will also ask for your graduation date. It maybe a good idea to look at programs a the hospital that you did a clinical rotation at too.Also you will start getting exposed to what a nursing interview is like . I ' d say if your considering new grad positions and residency programs start applying now because there are only a handful out there you might want to grab one now especially if you have been doing academically well so far. There's nothing wrong with applying with the confidence that you' ll pass the NCLEX the first time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I would definitely start networking and applying now. A lot of places may not glance at your application until you pass the NCLEX, but you can at least start making your name and intentions known to them...and you never know whose attention you will attract. Best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I started my last semester and I looked for internships.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The sooner the better but not too soon, I was think I would start applying the end of February except for any new grad intern positions if they are available sooner! Start making contacts with nurse managers and nurses at your clinical site

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment