Does a gap between graduation and employment look bad?

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Hi,

I'm graduating in early december and have been looking at applying for jobs in our area, but my husband and I plan to move across country in the spring wherever I find a job. It is not an option for us to move sooner. Will it look bad to potential employers if I have a 5 to 6 month gap between graduation and seeking a job? Or would having my liscense before applying be a benefit? Should I get a job here only to leave shortly after I'm oriented? I hate to lose out on the money and knowledge I would gain from working as an RN here but I'm interested in new grad programs that our local hospital doesn't offer. Any insight you might have would be much appreciated.

Danielle

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Hi,

I'm normally not a fan of huge gaps btw graduation and working but you have a great explanation. Maybe you could do some PRN work or LTC in your area to get some experience and make a few $$ before you move. Keep us posted and good luck.

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Hi,

I'm normally not a fan of huge gaps btw graduation and working but you have a great explanation. Maybe you could do some PRN work or LTC in your area to get some experience and make a few $$ before you move. Keep us posted and good luck.

I agree with Jules. I think maybe you could also consider volunteering as a nurse with a nonprofit organization. It wouldn't be too good if you didn't have some sort of experience in that gap of time.

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I agree that you have a valid explanation. It is not the case that you intend to sit around and watch daytime tv for several months after graduation. You are planning a move. And you will have time to prepare for and take the NCLEX. Personally I would prefer to get the first job at my new home. I wouldn't want to be in the position of leaving a new job soon after starting. You might concentrate on lining up some prospects by long distance. Perhaps you can make the trip early and already be settled in a new job by the time your husband makes the move. Just a thought.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

do you know where and when you are moving? if so, try landing a job now with employers near where you will be moving. let them know that you are a new grad and that you will be moving out there around such and such time. people relocate all the time for whatever reason and i cannot see the fact that you will be moving in a set time frame as a detriment if you act now. also, when you interview for the new position, be sure to do so in person if you can. i know a new grad who interviewed with my employers in person before moving here. she was offered the job and moved out here two months later to start working on my floor. this is not unusual. there is a bit more flexibility with employers when you are a new grad but that flexibility has a time frame (a set time to graduate ... a set time frame to take and pass the nclex... a set time to relocate... a set time to start working full-time... etc.). thus, i agree with the others, if you wait work, it may look bad to potential employers because most of the time there is very little excuse not to be employed. gl!

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I agree with MBA2BRN. It is very usual for you to apply for jobs (and have interviews) in your new area before you graduate and before you move. For example, many hopitals have staggered start dates for certain areas (new OR or ER nurses start only twice a year).

Many employers make job offers up to 6 months before you graduate, and will hold the position for up to 6 months after you graduate. But I would encourage you to show your interest and organizational skills by applying for (and interviewing) for positions in your new location before you move. Some might even help with relocation costs.

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

i had a 6 m gap but my exhusband was in the military so we moved and where we moved, we'd only be there for 5 months so i didn't want to start a new grad program and then leave immediately.

however you can't really tell an employer about your divorce...soo...

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Specializes in pediatrics, oncology.

I graduated in August, and my job doesn't start until May. I've been working as a part-time nanny but may upgrade to full-time, or otherwise look for a doctor's office job or something in the meantime.

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I think if you explained the move, they'd understand. There were several girls in my class who were having kids right at the end of school, and so they planned to wait a few months to start working.

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