Graduate in December. Apply for jobs now?

[PICUFL]

Should I apply or do it in a month or two?

[UNCgirl]

I have the same question, but I am having a surgical procedure right after take the NCLEX in Jan. or Feb., so I won't be able to start working until probably the end of March or so. I don't know if I should apply early, do interviews, and just be upfront about my start date, or wait until after I am medically cleared to start work to look. I'm worried that will force me to compete for job openings at the same time May 2008 grads are applying. I know a few people in my class have already applied for jobs or plan on doing so in Sept. or Oct.

[ava'smomRN]

just bumping this up. i am graduating in december also and would like to know....

[land64shark]

I'm wondering the same thing too.

[dlaura22]

YES! I have been looking online and it seems like many places are now posting their new grad jobs. I've already gotten a few calls. This is in CA and I'm looking to move there. It's not too early!

[allthingsbright]

Should I apply or do it in a month or two?

I have started applying as well! Good luck everyone...

[2bTraumaRN2008]

I was wondering the same thing. I am looking to relocate and contacted a hospital in VA. They replied and told me that they will have a specifics on their website in mid September for Graduate Nurses, but they also said to wait until January to apply. I personally think that's a tad to late when I graduate in January.

Anyhow, I'll keep shopping. We aren't really sure where we want to live, but I've been checking around in VA, WV, NC, and SC. Now the only problem is that it will probably end up being a pay cut for me. Graduate Nurses at the hospital I externed at this summer start at 26.50 hour. I was told 18.50 for one in VA. 18.50 is less than what I am making at my current job. I was hoping to make more than I currently make, but I guess that won't happen going down south.

[SoulShine75]

I'm wondering too, when are we suppose to start applying?

[DBev93]

Yes, start applying now. I am a December graduate and I submitted online apps to two hospitals less than 2 weeks ago. I have been contacted by the nurse recruiter at one and I have an interview with a nursing manager next week! Yikes!!

I was also told by another nursing recruiter that MOST December grads not only have offers, but have jobs lined up by October/Nov.

Goodluck,

Dbev93

[Chloe'sinNYNow]

you guys are making me feel so much better. I was so scared (correction, AM) that there won't be anyone willin to take on a new grad nurse. I just passed NCLEX-RN this weekend and seems like the Preceptor programs here are all March start dates. It's August!! What am I supposed to do until then?????

My student loan repays are gonna kick in any secnd!!

Tips on how to go about the job search?

Esp in a new town where you don' t know anyone?

I live in Atlanta, but would love to seek elsewhere.

[ozned]

I graduated in May and didn't apply for a job until July!!!All my friends did start applying prior to graduation. There seemed to be a mad rush. Long story short, the earlier you apply the more choices you may have. I only wanted to work in 2 area hospitals, so having waited so long made that diffucult as they had filled most of their positions. I did have to keep calling to see if anything was avail. and did get in the hosp of my choice. It just took a few weeks of patience and persistance. If you aren't picky about where you work, don't worry. You'll get a job.

[mhayley]

Yes, I hire nurses and it's very competitive if you want something besides med/surg. It shows the hiring manager that you are thinking ahead. You will have more options to choose from if you start applying now. Any facilities that tell you to wait aren't that interested in GN's. We will make job offers 6-8 months before graduation.