How long did it take you to get your first RN job?

Sun0408, ASN, RN · May 3, 2014

Im an not in CA. I received my license the first week of Feb, landed a job interview a week later and started orientation the first week of March. This was in 2010.

DavidDudley · May 5, 2014

I'm also an ADN in SoCal. I got my license in November of 2010 and got my first job in March of 2011. They hired me on the spot. However, it wasn't a hospital job, let alone my dream department. You might have to work on getting experience from non-hospital jobs before you can get into a hospital. If finances are a immediate concern you could do home health in the meantime while your looking for something better. I know home health nurses who rack in 5-7 grand a month by busting their butts.

Always keep in mind that some nursing experience is better than nothing at all. If you can get experience in urgent cares, sub-acute units, jails, prisons, it will help you a lot in the long run to get that hospital job than to have no experience at all. After 2.5 years of working non-hospital jobs, I finally now work in my dream department; ER and also in the process of cross training to ICU.

krisiepoo · May 5, 2014

I have an ADN and, by looking outside the box, I found a hospital job 1.5 months after passing NCLEX

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · May 8, 2014

I used my experience in the hospital to get a job offer in the ER and ICU before graduation. I regret taking the ICU so I am applying to other ER positions at other systems and I have had callbacks and interviews.

However, I am the exception. Only a handful of people had jobs within the first month of passing NCLEX. Most are finding jobs around the 5 month mark. A bunch of students who had graduated in May 2013 found jobs around November 2013. I think it's easier to find jobs if you graduate in December.

I have an ADN. I am now working on my RN to BSN but that has not really had an impact on the hiring decisions. My previous experience as a paramedic has.

One girl managed to get a job at an oil refinery for 45 dollars an hour. I don't know if it is contracted, temporary, or what, but I would drool over that offer.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · May 8, 2014

I'm in Texas with a BSN- 5 months! I've put in hundreds of applications, most never called or even send a rejection email (though I did get a bunch of those). I started going into LTAC hospitals and applying in person. That is how I found my job (with the help of a classmate).

Nola009 · May 9, 2014

Like a month or two. Found out why it was so 'easy' to get a FT day job at the place pretty quickly..... ouch. I moved on just as quick!

Mommy_RN1211 · May 15, 2014

I have an ADN and, by looking outside the box, I found a hospital job 1.5 months after passing NCLEX

What did you do that landed you a job so quickly, if you don't mind sharing?

Uncle Rico · May 15, 2014

It took me 2 months to land my ER dream job after passing the NCLEX. I had applied for the position online and i also left about 20 resumes with the hospital rep at the job fair.

PedsHopeful · May 15, 2014

It seems that finding a job is easier once you have that license in hand. Ive heard from a few places that they would hire me, but I need to get my license first. Ill be testing in June.

ajw49886 · May 15, 2014

I am in pa, I got my job 3 months before graduation. The hospital here has also hired grads 6 months before graduation.

ixchel · May 15, 2014

Congratulations on your graduation and good luck to you in your Job Search!