Published Jan 2, 2014
babsy28
45 Posts
So we have been told over and over to start our job search early. Professors advised that we start applying the January before graduation. Well that time has come for me and I'm confused as to how to even apply when we haven't graduated. If you try with the online systems you need to enter license numbers or the page wont submit.
Is there another way that we should be applying? Just forward resumes to hospital HR? When did you start looking and did anyone get any interviews while you were still a student?
stefaniekelly
9 Posts
It has been my own personal experience that no one will even look at your application until you have that license in hand. I applied to tons of jobs before I even got my ATT, but it was not until I passed the NCLEX that I started getting any phone calls.
Thanks for your feedback Stephanie. I actually have a job offer when I graduate but its a little far from home and with the nasty winters here I'm afraid to take it.
Applying for positions now feels like I'm trying to put my cart before the horse but with looming loan payments I'm terrified not to start.
PCnurse88
182 Posts
We were told to start applying to positions specifically for new nurses - new grad residencies. I applied for 7 in my home state and 3 out-of-state in February/March of my graduating year (I graduated in May). I started applying for regular jobs as soon as I had confirmation that I was graduating on time (I knew I wasn't in danger of failing but there's always that off chance that you somehow missed a credit or something, especially at my college, where surprise emails saying "Heyy guess who has to take a summer class!" were common) I began applying for "real" jobs.
Good luck!
applesxoranges, BSN, RN
2,242 Posts
Some applications let me apply anyway but most denied them right away without a license. When I did get to submit my paperwork but before I test, I wrote down pending because that is what was listed on the board verification site.