NCLEX done...should I start applying for jobs before I have my license in hand?

Nurses Job Hunt

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So I took my NCLEX and I got "the good pop up", but California is so behind with everything that they haven't even entered my transcripts yet, let alone posted anything about my passing or not :no:. Looks like it could be 4 weeks before I know for a fact.

Glad and very grateful that the test is over, and of course I'm trying not to get my hopes too high about the "pop up", but from what I've surmised from this site it's pretty reliable, so do you all think I should shoot for job hunting? Maybe just to get my name out there. Some people have suggested I do, but I'm just kinda worried about getting the "So do you have your license?' and me responding with "Well...no...but I got the 'good pop up'!" :yes: Haha.

Any thoughts?

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Ahahahaha I graduate in 5 months and am searching for jobs NOW!

Why wait? If they want someone with a license already then they'll just turn me down. It's not a big deal.

Some new grad positions that hire in like July are hiring now and by then I should have my license. The job market is awful and everyone says start early. The kids I know who got jobs before graduation applied before they even had their licenses.

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not sure from where in the US you are located but i know here in miami, all apps for the hospitals are via internet and they ask that you list all licenses and license numbers. therefore here i know its a waste of time/ effort applying before license is in hand.

side note: Many hospitals will not hire or even interview unlicensed new grad for many reasons. The first being said graduate is not guaranteed to pass boards on first attempt. therefore can not begin position and there is so many licensed nurses looking for positions they wont bother to interview.

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obesity33-Haha thanks for the advice. I think I'm going to shoot for nurse recruiters right now and specify that I'm a new grad with a license pending. If they choose to contact me then awesome, but otherwise no harm done.

yadi87-Yeah I'm in Cali and that's my exact concern is I don't want to waste anyone's time, but if trying to get my name out there is a good idea I didn't want to waste anyone's time, ya know? Thanks for the perspective on the matter ;).

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Specializes in Critical Care; Recovery.

Start now! Takes long enough to find a job as it is. Just write pending if it asks for your license number.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

You should have been applying before you graduated. Definitely get started.

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