Applying for Jobs Before Graduation

[bises]

Hello!

I graduate this May and had some questions about the process for applying for jobs. Since I graduate in about 3 months, I have been applying for tons of jobs. I already work as a CNA on a general Med-Surg floor where I have a guaranteed position when I graduate, but I'm trying to find a different place to work because it's over an hour away and the drive has really been rough. I just got my first call back for a Cardiac Step-Down unit today. The thing is I'm not sure how to go about with the interviews I may get.. Do I just tell them I've applied for a lot of different jobs and don't want to make a decision until I have all of my options available for me and graduate? I don't want to commit to one job then get the call for my dream job right before I take the NCLEX. Hopefully this makes sense, I'm not very familiar with how all of this works. I just don't really know what to say to them without making it sound like I don't really want the job.

Thanks!

[LittleRedOwl, ADN, ASN, BSN, RN]

I did the same. When I was offered my first job they asked if I had other interviews and I said yes and they asked if I wanted to take some time before accepting my job after doing my other interviews and such. It happened to be the job I wanted though so I accepted on the spot, but they offered. Either way if its not a job you're excited for, why accept it? In my experience everyone in my program that held out for really sought after units like L and D got it from waiting. You may have to turn down a few jobs. I think they'll give you some time to think on it though.

[RescueNinjaKy]

My advice is if you're not serious about working at a place then don't apply there. Only apply to places where you can really see yourself working at. For most new grads that's everywhere. Also don't apply too early, as if they extend a job offer to you and you aren't sure, it can become a problem. You might be trying to hold off until you get a response from your dream job and of course many places Will give you time to consider but they usually don't give you a lengthy amount of time as they have other candidates too. So you might lose out on a job offer and not get the dream job.