Can I apply for a job before I graduate?

Nurses General Nursing

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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!

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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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