New grad jobs: When to apply?

[Jules A, MSN]

aren't schools encouraging upcoming grads to start applying for jobs in their last year of school? while i know last june was different than this june based on the economy but almost everyone in my class had a position secured before the start of our last semester. maybe i'm mistaken but it seems to me that many of the "there are no new grad jobs" threads sound like they didn't start applying until after they passed nclex. in my area, which is still excellent for nursing opportunities, by that time many different schools have graduated students and the majority of positions are filled. not criticizing after the fact but hoping this will help other soon to graduate students.

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

I was under the impression that we should be applying in the first month of our last semester - not sooner and not later. I'm curious what others have to say.

[lilla_fjaril]

I applied/interviewed in August for a job in January, but many of my friends did not interview until late November and all got jobs. If you are applying on-line, frequently the hospital webpage will direct you as to how soon to apply.

My thought was that since there are 6+ nursing schools in the area, that I should wait until the recruiter is finishing up with the previous semester of graduates before expecting her to deal with my information. Of course, earlier is better when applying for a fellowship or special program. When in doubt, a call to HR will straighten everything out and get your name in the recruiter's head.

L

[fiveofpeep]

I graduate this december and have already started scouting hospitals and going to career fairs/open houses. I may not be able to apply now but I can get good information and practice interview skills, impressing people, etc.

[Jules A, MSN]

I graduate this december and have already started scouting hospitals and going to career fairs/open houses. I may not be able to apply now but I can get good information and practice interview skills, impressing people, etc.

Why can't you start applying now? That was my original question. I would have thought you would have been applying since late last summer or early fall. Thanks for replying and good luck with your job hunt!

[BabyLady, BSN, RN]

I knew to start applying early based on what I read here on this message board.

However, our instructors haven't told us a single thing about when to apply, and you are 100% right, most of the new grad jobs will be gone by June because most hospitals are interviewing NOW.

[Jules A, MSN]

However, our instructors haven't told us a single thing about when to apply, and you are 100% right, most of the new grad jobs will be gone by June because most hospitals are interviewing NOW.

What a shame they aren't more proactive with the advice they give you. We had to come in wearing interview attire for critique, they helped us with our resumes, interview questions etc. They really groomed us to find jobs which I am very thankful for now.

[fiveofpeep]

Why can't you start applying now? That was my original question. I would have thought you would have been applying since late last summer or early fall. Thanks for replying and good luck with your job hunt!

You probably could give them your resume and app but right now it seems that most of the job fairs and new grad programs are geared towards the summer new grads not winter new grads. I know of only one hospital that has even brought up application dates for december new grads and it is to apply during august.

[Midwest4me]

Obviously, I am not in the "new grad boat"...but I have a sister who will start nrsg school this coming Fall. Seems to me that if an employer "hires" a new grad, it's obviously under the condition that person passes the NCLEX--wonder how that goes? I always thought one had to have the nrsg license in hand to officially apply.

[carluvscats]

Where I live, the hospitals won't let you apply until you have a license number to put on the application (and it's done online..... there's no way to bypass it). So that is part of the problem with trying to secure a job before passing the NCLEX! Of course, many students will get "verbal offers" before graduation. More power to them. :)

[Jules A, MSN]

Obviously, I am not in the "new grad boat"...but I have a sister who will start nrsg school this coming Fall. Seems to me that if an employer "hires" a new grad, it's obviously under the condition that person passes the NCLEX--wonder how that goes? I always thought one had to have the nrsg license in hand to officially apply.

Depends on the state because some places you can even work under new-grad status before you take NCLEX. There is a time frame that you have to test in I believe. Obviously the job is contingent on passing NCLEX and the truth is that most first time testers do pass. Have your sister check into how things work in your area. It makes me sad to think people have put all the hard work into school and then don't have jobs lined up.

[Midwest4me]

Depends on the state because some places you can even work under new-grad status before you take NCLEX. There is a time frame that you have to test in I believe. Obviously the job is contingent on passing NCLEX and the truth is that most first time testers do pass. Have your sister check into how things work in your area. It makes me sad to think people have put all the hard work into school and then don't have jobs lined up.

Thanks for the clarification!Sis is in a different state than I am---so I should recommend that she look into how the hospitals work in her area andperhaps start interviews a few months before graduation...?