Finding Jobs- Before or After Graduation?

DelightRN · Feb 9, 2005

I had my first job well before graduation. I started applying and interviewing in late march/early April, graduated in June. Started in July after I passed boards.

Its never too early to start. If nothing else, you'll get practice interviewing before you get to the job you really want.

*PICURN* · Feb 9, 2005

NOW!

I had my job lined up in the beginning of my last semester. I did interviews in august, and a couple weeks later got my replys and I graduated this past December.

Definately start now. Start looking into what hospital you want to work for and what area(s) interest you. That was the hardest for me. I knew what hospital I wanted to work for (based on prior work experience there, $$ and benefits, etc) but I was confused on what unit I wanted to be in.

Start this process early so you don't get rushed into making a decision!

perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN · Feb 9, 2005

Thanks for the advice both of you! I have started applying a couple of places but it is a little hard since I go to school and live in a different state than I want to work. I am still unsure exactly what specialty I want... maybe I'll just start in general medical and figure out if I like that, or if there is something else I should be doing. take care all!

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 9, 2005

never too early to put feelers out, even out of town.

HappyNurse2005, RN · Feb 10, 2005

I graduate in May, and started my official job search in late December. Applied, sent resume. In January, the recruiter came to my school, I talked to her more, etc. I should be up for interviews late February, early March according to the recruiter.

Never hurt to start early!

perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2005

Thanks again everyone... I just thought I would let you know that with the little "kick in the pants" from you all, I went ahead and applied yesterday for a graduate nurse internship at a children's hospital, and received word back from them today and am going to have an interview with them in the next couple of weeks! it is scary and exciting both, that I will interview for a "real job" rather than just summer or part-time work- and thanks to all of you on this board for beeing so supportive all the way through nursing school. even if I don't get this one it is a chance to learn and keep going. there's some kind of plan out there for me even if i am not sure what it is yet! take care.

orbit · Feb 11, 2005

I agree to start looking and exploring your options. Please keep in mind however, that each employer has a different idea about what they consider time off for the boards. I graduated in December this year and took two weeks off and casually started looking for a job, I landed one in two weeks. I started full time oreinting to the position. My job was a part time position, but it is pretty normal to oreint full time. I scheduled my board appointment for the end of Feb., and asked for a week off to study. I need to raise that comfort level for me. As of today, I cannot have the time off I need. I can have the day off, or possible some how work out and day or two, but my manager says I must work my scheduled hours. I am feeling pretty frustrated with all this. I think when I started full time, I "thought" I would study and night after work, let me tell you!!!! You are tired, emtionally exhausted from the constant bombardment of all the new information you need to learn and know as a new nurse, and employee. Your brain really doenst want to accept to much more. You know what I am talking about, the brain drain we get after a huge test that you studied and stressed about, and then you sit in class for the rest of the day and your just drained. That's what it feels like after working all day and then trying to study at night.

Please. Negotiate time off for studying. I took one day where I left work 2 hours early to study. Not enough, wrong time of day ect...

Hope this helps :rolleyes:

LilRedRN1973 · Mar 10, 2005

I was called by my current employer (I work as an Apprentice Nurse II) in the second week of January to tell me I needed to put in my application for the ICU internship. I was kind of surprised because I don't graduate until May. But I filled out the application online and my interview was scheduled a week later. So by the first of February, HR called me with a job offer and I just signed the contract for my position in the ICU with orientation starting June 6th! :eek:

Melanie = )