Going into last semester..when to start applying for jobs???

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Jun 21, 2011

I was wondering when some of you started applying for jobs?? I do have one more semester but i'm sure it will go fast. I don't want to send my resume out to early or to late. Should I actually wait till I graduate or wait till I know I will be sitting for the NLCLEX? My resume is ready just waiting patiently...

Can't hurt. One of my classmates started sending them out real early and got an interview a couple months before graduation. ....an interview that ended quickly after they realized she hadn't graduated yet. They ended up hiring her after graduation.

Start applying for new grad programs first. If you want a home health or nursing home job, go ahead and apply there. If you don't, apply for all the hospitals you want whenever you want. If they ignore you go ahead and apply in home health and LTC.

Good luck!

ZoeZ · Jun 21, 2011

Some hospitals have a small window where they will accept new grad applications so keep an eye out. My classmates and I graduated this past May but started applying mid-March. It gets pretty cutthroat so my advice is to apply early, once you have a good feel of how your semester is going. Just make sure you put your expected graduation date, be honest about being a soon-to-be graduate. Good luck to you!! :)

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Jun 21, 2011

Can't hurt. One of my classmates started sending them out real early and got an interview a couple months before graduation. ....an interview that ended quickly after they realized she hadn't graduated yet. They ended up hiring her after graduation.
Start applying for new grad programs first. If you want a home health or nursing home job, go ahead and apply there. If you don't, apply for all the hospitals you want whenever you want. If they ignore you go ahead and apply in home health and LTC.
Good luck!

Depends on what the hiring policy is where you are. Where I am at, applying early at the hospital can hurt. They will not consider you until your have your lic. So if you apply to all the jobs on their website before you have a lic. you will get the automatic canned email and when you do have your lic. you will no longer be eligible to apply for that same position. The system won't allow it because you were already turned away.

So to the OP I would find out first if they allow you to apply before having your lic. so you don't end up hurting your chances.

Always_Learning, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2011

Yep...check in your state how long graduate nurses are able to work before licensure (if at all). Use that as a guideline for when to apply. Best of luck to you! :specs:

Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN · Jun 22, 2011

...and schmooze schmooze schmooze!!!! ...with your instructors (recommendations), ...with the nurses at the clinical sites, ...your mom's friends and your doctor. You doctor might put in a good word for you or at least keep an ear out for opportunities.

whichone'spink, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2011

Talk to recruiters at your local hospitals and ask if you can still apply for positions as a student.