apply for job before nclex or wait?

guest64485 · May 23, 2009

With the way the economy is, start applying today for jobs. Figure on a minimum of 4 weeks from when you apply to your start date (and that's being optimistic). Some new grads are having a very tough time finding work. Seriously, start applying today, start studying today, and get all your paperwork in asap so you can get the authorization to test. Instead of worrying about failing, apply that energy to studying and get the NCLEX done with. Everyone is fearful of failing, but you can't let that hold you back, especially in today's poor job market.

caliotter3 · May 23, 2009

You probably won't be getting hired before you have a chance to take the NCLEX. But to be sure, you should pass the test before you start looking. You don't want to take a job, then get let go should you not pass. That happens to more people than we like to admit. Concentrate on the NCLEX. Once you have passed, then concentrate on job hunting.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · May 23, 2009

I would definitely start applying, especially with the economy.

It is certainly not unheard of for new grads to get hired 'pending' successful completion of the NCLEX!

Good luck in whatever you choose to do!

Best,

Diane

April, RN, BSN, RN · May 23, 2009

Yes, definitely start applying now! If you read around the forum you'll find that some new grads have waited months before they got so much as a call back, or they are still waiting after graduating last May or Dec. If you get hired before you take the boards, consider yourself fortunate and be excited! Regarding what happens if you get hired before you pass the boards and then fail depends on the facility and even individual unit managers. Some will give your spot to someone else if you fail the first time. Others will hold your spot and maybe even let you work on the floor as an aide until you retake the boards. I've heard of both scenarios happen in my hospital. But think positive... the odds of passing the first time are very good! Good luck!

dollphyn · May 23, 2009

Definitely apply now. I applied back in April 2008 and found out they were giving me a job on the floor I still work today. I started June 2nd 2008, but did not take NCLEX until June 17, 2008. If you do not pass, at my hospital, they keep you, but you will not be a 'GN', but you will be a nurse tech and get paid accordingly. Graduate nurses start out at like 21 an hour and nurse techs get paid about 15 an hour. You will stay a nurse tech until you pass the NCLEX. I had a lady that did not take the NCLEX until like August 2008 (even though she started on June 2nd), so she was a nurse tech until she passed.

Good luck with your new career!!!

Jules A, MSN · May 23, 2009

Yes, apply. Maybe its different in different areas but I'm surprised your class didn't start applying long before graduation. A majority of my class interviewed and had jobs lined up before our last semester even started. Please don't wait and also don't hesitate out of fear of failing NCLEX! Sure it could happen but the odds are in your favor of passing and I wasn't about to even entertain the option of failing. Good luck.

carolina4 · May 23, 2009

I just accepted a job yesterday which starts in 3 weeks and I am taking the NCLEX next Sunday, soooo.....yeah. Apply.

beachbutterfly · May 23, 2009

You probably won't be getting hired before you have a chance to take the NCLEX. But to be sure, you should pass the test before you start looking. You don't want to take a job, then get let go should you not pass. That happens to more people than we like to admit. Concentrate on the NCLEX. Once you have passed, then concentrate on job hunting.

I totally dont agree.I'm a new grad and I'm applying where ever I can,even though I still have to take NCLEX.I'm looking for a job using variety of methods;online,in person,volunteering,job fairs.

RNKel, ASN, RN · May 24, 2009

I don't graduate until June 12th, and I was offered a position on April 17th. I will start this summer before I even pass boards. The nurse mgr who hired me told me I was smart to be out searching so early and she said "if your friends are waiting, tell them not to, there aren't many jobs to be had right now".

I'm in Ohio.

nurse tech · May 24, 2009

You probably won't be getting hired before you have a chance to take the NCLEX. But to be sure, you should pass the test before you start looking. You don't want to take a job, then get let go should you not pass. That happens to more people than we like to admit. Concentrate on the NCLEX. Once you have passed, then concentrate on job hunting.

I have also been told not to wait, to get my applications in ASAP all of my friends that just recently graduated had jobs before they graduated so it's really not that hard to get hired as a new nurse I guess depending on where it is.

Norcalnursestudent · May 24, 2009

I just QUIT my job to make sure that i can study for my exam. Ive heard that working in the field will confuse you for the exam. This economy is horrible..but just think if you dont have enough time to study...