Apply now or wait for RN license?

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As a new grad, is it better to apply for positions now or wait until I get my RN license? Am I just wasting my time if I apply for positions now?

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Specializes in Emergency.

While some hospitals, like St Barnabas, want you to pass the boards before applying, the vast majority don't. So, in answer to your question.... NOW.

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Specializes in Critical Care Hopeful.

I have NOT even started clinicals yet, HOWEVER from every post I have seen on the boards and in speaking to people they all seem to say the same thing: start applying a few months (perhaps even up to 6 months) before you graduate. I know that a lot of hospital systems have slow HR departments and many will still hire you and start oriented you before you actually get your liscence.

It's always a good idea to be ahead of the curve so this way when all your classmates are applying for the same positions in May, June, July, August after they graduate you will (hopefully) already have a secured position and not have to compete against all of them as well.

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Specializes in MS, ED.

I applied early, but nearly all of my calls came near/after graduation and boards. Better to get your applications out now, (perhaps add your anticipated graduation date and NCLEX date as soon as you know it.)

Good luck!

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Thanks for the response so far. I've actually started applying prior to graduation (just graduated recently), but haven't gotten any responses yet. Hoping to take the boards by end of next month because I'm just waiting for all my paperwork to be processed. I'll continue applying even without my license =) and hope for the best. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't wasting my time because most of the postings require you to be an RN.

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Specializes in CVICU.

Apply now and apply often! I applied in March, interviewed in April, and had my job offer before graduation in May (I graduated in 2008).

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Specializes in med-surg, med-psych, psych.

E-X-C-I-T-I-N-G!

:stdnrsrck:

Based on regrets of new nurses with whom I have worked, it depends on your career goals. your personal life style, and what is available in your area.

If you live in a small town and you plan to stay there, raise a family... apply early and fast! The jobs will be scooped up ASAP when all the graduates are out! You have an advantage if you apply as a grad or a CNA until you passed the boards. Employers have seen your work ethics and are anticipating your RN status!!!

If you live in a large city, you are single, footloose, & fancy-free and you want to ride the nursing career roller coaster to see what strikes you from research to surgery, from oncology to psychiatry, from pediatrics to geriatrics, from outpatient to inpatient, from teaching to administration, from stationary to travel assignments wait until you pass the boards Apply as a grad to any "med-surg" wing at any general acute teaching hospital no matter what the pay or place just to get that one year of basic medical professional confidence under your belt in their intense rookie-nurse program. Find a mentor in the field that seems to appeal to you, follow his or her guidance then fly...fly...fly... 'cause that sky is your only limit!!!!!!:yeah:

If you are not sure if you will pass the boards and mortified in embarassment if you fail, find out by cold calling facilities what they do if you fail the boards. You might want to avoid applications until you pass the boards (or not). Some employers make a bad situation worse: bust you from nurse grad to CNA status until you pass, strip you of your scrub color or badge label that everybody including your patients of yesterday know you fail...etc. Some employers are seamless and supportive to just removing some of your duties until you pass. Search yourself for what you care about or can tolerate.

The bottom line is the nursing shortage is real! The world needs you far more than a little competition for a few jobs in a limited location. They are a massive amount of jobs just waiting for you to grown in and go to! GOD BLESS YA!!!!!!

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I just went thru this recently myself and I didn't start hearing back from hospitals until I had my license number. I applied to a ton of positions prior to graduation and directly after and they either said they weren't looking at new grads or I never heard back from them at all. However this changed (a little) when I was able to put my license number (and my ACLS cert) on the appliction. I pretty much went the whole summer without hearing anything and then in the middle of August I got numerous calls to set up interviews.

Whatever you decide I wish you luck on your search.

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Specializes in Postpartum, Antepartum, Psych., SDS, OR.

Apply Now

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Specializes in MS.

Apply now! Apply to as many places as you can online and in person, the sooner the better beat the competition. Employers may not respond as quick as you would like but stay positive, if you have a resume get that circulating even though I was told most places don't even look at resumes I don't know. Keep your confidence up and know that there is a position out there that you will like and will be a fit for you even though it may not be the first position you get take it get your experience and move on you have to choose your destiny the sky is the limit good luck and god bless you.:anpom:

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When I graduated, 13 years ago, I applied for only two jobs, then became worried that I might flunk the Boards, though I'd done well in school. I lost all confidence about interviewing. By the time I'd received my results, all the slots allotted to new nurses in surrounding hospitals had been filled; my classmates had been interviewing for months before graduation. I worked in a nursing home for six months -- good experience, though grueling -- then got an internship that led to a job. Apply now for any job that truly interests you. Ask if you can job-shadow for part of a shift to get a feel for the atmosphere and dynamics if it's a place you're not familiar with. Good luck!

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You can apply all you want but there are no jobs. I graduated in May 2010 and started looking in December 2009...still nothing.

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