How long did it take you to land your first job?

[Sessa RN]

Hello fellow nurses! New BSN grad here, who has been applying for hospital, LTC and home health jobs like mad since passing NCLEX in early June.

Some of the hospitals warn online that it can take as long as 90 days to get an offer. Other potential employers have told me they want to get background check results.

So, I am wondering how long it took you to land your first job. How long did you wait before applying elsewhere? Did they let you know they were interested right away?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I found my first job approximately one day after having received my temporary nursing license in the mail. However, this was back in 2006 when the nursing job markets in many cities and states were more robust.

[jimithing112]

I'm a new grad RN also, and got a job offer a week and a half after passing NCLEX.

[bigsick_littlesick]

I worked as a CNA for almost a year a half during nursing school. I graduated in Dec 2012, got my license Jan. this year and was just offered a per diem position at my hospital a couple weeks ago. Went to computer training today! I was very persistent with the manager. She had a shortage of aides on her floor so I would float to her floor a LOT and treated it as a working interview. I love their staff and they grew to love me and now I'm one of them! I'm so excited! Good luck to you! There were BSNs that graduated with me and got jobs right away so there is some hope!

[Ikikaeru]

I was offered a position as and ER / Med Surge a month before I took my NCLEX exam. I was an LPN with experience and they trained me in as an LPN and transitioned me into my role as RN when I passed my boards. Its a rural hospital so I wouldnt expect this result in many of the major cities. It took me a month to get into my boards exam , so nervous about passing though, I think it had more pressure since they were expecting me to pass (my job kinda hinged on it).

[cherryblossomRN]

I was offered a position about 3 weeks after getting licensed. Good luck!

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

2 weeks after getting my license. I'm blessed!!! I've NEVER had a problem with getting a job.

[Sessa RN]

Thanks for the encouragement, all.

I have been offered p/t home health work (one patient) without benefits. I really would like to work in a hospital, but I have no prior healthcare experience. Except the 300+ hours of clinicals & precepting in a Level 1 trauma center - which none of the unit managers seem to care about.

Do you think this position will help or hurt me in the long run? I am worried if I don't take it - it could be awhile before something else comes along. (The bank account is might empty.) I am worried if I do take it, it might hurt my chances in the future.

[Nonetheless]

I am still in school, but I know many people who found work anywhere from right before graduation to a good six months after graduation.

I do not know anyone who graduated in 2012 and is still searching for a job.

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

I interviewed for my current job on April 26th, heard back that I'd gotten the job on May 7th (contingent on passing boards and graduating), graduated May 9th, and passed NCLEX on June 4th. Most of my classmates who applied before graduation also had jobs before graduation. It seems like the new grad spots fill up quickly and that the people who chose to wait until they passed boards are still unemployed. I really do think it depends on what time of the year you apply related to when all of the universities/CCs graduate students.

[ssaarraahh]

I think it depends on where you are located. I am in California, which is horrible for new grads right now. It look me 11 months to get a job and I applied to over 200 positions. And I have my BSN.

[futurenurseOB]

Going on two months next week :0( no such luck yet....LPN in Richmond VA

Finally a nurse...All for my three♡♡♡