Can you begin applying for jobs before you actually graduate?

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Hi! I am graduating as a LPN this summer, and wondering if it is advisable / acceptable to begin applying for positions before graduation? Any experience or feedback would be appreciated! Thanks!

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I dont know about LPN or a state other than Michigan,but in Michigan i do know of nurses getting hired and working as nurses before they even have taken and passed their state boards. Alot of the time they will hire you but tell you that have like 3 months from getting hired to take and pass your state boards otherwise they will lay you off until that happens.

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Specializes in LTC, PCU, Med/Surg, Hospice, OBGYN.

Honey, if you didn't start applying in January - March, you are already behind the ball.

That's one lesson I learned hard last year when I graduated. My instructor told us to apply in January and I didn't listen because I thought it was way too early. Well, needless to say by the time I did start applying in April all the New Grad positions were taken.

Now, I don't know if it will be the same for LPNs but I would definately start applying now if I were you since it's graduation for a lot of LPNs in just a few weeks!

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

I was hired as a RN in March/April of my 3rd year with conditions for me to pass all semester 6-8 class and receive licensure...

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Honey, if you didn't start applying in January - March, you are already behind the ball.

That's one lesson I learned hard last year when I graduated. My instructor told us to apply in January and I didn't listen because I thought it was way too early. Well, needless to say by the time I did start applying in April all the New Grad positions were taken.

Now, I don't know if it will be the same for LPNs but I would definately start applying now if I were you since it's graduation for a lot of LPNs in just a few weeks!

Ours told the class not to apply and commit ourselves yet, but to wait until we'd graduate--that we'd still have our pick of jobs out there. Many of us believed that...a lot happened to the economy in those few months, and many of us found ourselves struggling to find work after graduation :uhoh3:

OP: yes you can...and should start applying now--after all, you have nothing to lose! But don't be surprised if a lot of employers tell you "sorry, but we'll talk after you pass the NCLEX."

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It varies state to state and system to system, but in MO graduate nurses are allowed to practice if they can sit for NCLEX within 90 days. We started applying at the end of February, were interviewed in March, and will start internships on June 1st. So it's definitely not too late!

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Specializes in MS, LTC, Post Op.

I graduate on Friday (go me!!) and I have had a position in a new grad residency since...March.

When I graduated LPN school (8 years ago) I started applying right after graduation and had a job offer before I sat for boards.

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Specializes in MS, LTC, Post Op.

I forgot, I started applying around winter break, so December/January.

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The sooner the better, esp. in this employment market ...

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