Can I apply for a job before I graduate?

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Hello everyone :) I will be graduating in June 2010 with my ADN in Registered Nursing. I really want to work in pediatrics and I was wondering if anyone has been able to apply for a position before they graduated? The position I'm looking at doesn't have a fill by date. Also, I have been volunteering in peds for almost 4 years and I am still volunteering there during nursing school (whew!), so I have made some good connections. Thanks for any info!

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

I would definitely line something up and keep myself "in view" with the manager. Networking NEVER hurts.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I graduated in May. In April I had an interview and a job all in that month. I just couldnt start till the middle of may (when I got my temp license). So yes it is possible.

I would also start talking to the manager of that unit that you want to work for. Try to volunteer for that unit so that she/he can see how you work and that way when its time to hire people, you are the one that stands out.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

I applied in December, interviewed in January and was hired in February for a May graduation. :D

Alot depends on the hospital.

Good luck!!

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Yeah you can and I would. I chose to wait until after my boards as I didn't want to get a job and then not be eligble for it. That was a huge mistake as many got a jump on me and by time I was ready to apply I was behind the curve.

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Specializes in L&D.

Yes, you definitely can. Times are tough right now, and if you can make good connections and get a jump start on the application process, maybe that will work in your favor!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

Yes, but find out the hospital policy. Some facilities will not hire you unless you have a license for the desired job, as they will not hire d/t the fact you may fail boards, etc.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

You better start the process early or you will be behind all the others who do. I started applying in June for an August graduation. I started working 5 days after graduation, took my NCLEX a week later and got my license 3 days after that. Even if you can't put in formal applications, start getting your contacts lined up. Contacts will get you more offers that answering ads in the paper.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

Definitely start early! I graduate in December and I started applying right at the beginning of the semester. Keep an eye on the hospital's websites for their posting of internship/GN positions. I just accepted a job offer on 10/17, which I applied for on 9/4.

Your last semester is going to FLY BY. You don't want to compound your stress with worrying about whether or not you will have a job when you graduate.

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Specializes in Oncology/BMT.

I interviewed in early December, accepted my first nursing job in January, and graduated the following June. I interviewed at 3 different hospitals and had offers from 2 of them by the 1st week of January. I interviewed early because I wanted a specialized ICU (neuro ICU).

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Apply early. And while you're still doing clinicals, it would be a good idea to get to know the managers on the floors you might be interested in applying.

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Yeah. My last course was gonna have to be on some unit, so I picked the unit and interviewed for the job, which got me on that unit for the last course. After graduation, I became a RNA (RN Applicant) doing RN stuff. Now if I'd failed the NCLEX, I'd have lost the right to give meds and have become a RNT (RN Tech) with a pay cut, but I didn't and continued working as a RN.

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