graduating in less than 6 months- applying for jobs!

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Jul 8, 2011

Anyway, I have a question, I am looking on a hospital's online job application for a nursing position and this is one of the questions
"Please indicate your current licensure status" and the options are "None, Active RN license, Active compact state RN license, Active non-compact state RN license, Active temporary work permit, New ADN graduate within six months or provisional license, Active BSN graduate within six months or provisional license"

Man I hated those hospital online apps.

I think your choice is "New ADN graduate within 6 months." It appears they don't want to see applications from anyone more than a semester away from graduating.

Good luck. One nice thing is you can start on those endless hours of online hospital apps before you graduate.

sophie<3 · Jul 9, 2011

Thanks! I applied with the the one you said and it said I didn't meet the minimum qualifications. Apparently you need an RN license or temp work permit...so how do new grads even apply if they boot you out for choosing the New ADN grad selection? I looked through all their jobs posted and it listed the SAME requirements but yet says they will hire New Grads...ughhh it might take me 5 months to figure this out and even get an application submitted!!!!

Scrubmouse RN · Jul 9, 2011

Where I'm from, no one will even look at your application if you don't have a license!

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2011

The hospitals probably require a valid license before they will look at your application. They offer the other choices to weed out people who don't have a license yet. They may also want a BSN.

I applied and was hired before I graduated, but be careful. Be sure to check the hospital's policy. There are some online applications that will not allow you to reapply. So if you apply for a job before you graduate and are rejected because you don't have a license then you will not be able to re-apply once you have a license number. You're basically forever banned from the job. So always check the policy first.

Btw, you would not be considered "New ADN graduate within 6 months." You haven't graduated yet. This option if for people who have completed their ADN program and graduated less than 6 months ago. So you should really be selecting the "None" option.

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Jul 9, 2011

Btw, you would not be considered "New ADN graduate within 6 months." You haven't graduated yet. This option if for people who have completed their ADN program and graduated less than 6 months ago. So you should really be selecting the "None" option.

Oops, I misunderstood the context..."New ADN graduate within 6 months or provisional license". Sorry about that OP.

Anyway, the other posters are correct, hospitals in my area won't even look at you until you have a license. Remember than when scheduling the NCLEX.

As far as job searching during school goes, some of my classmates did get job offers before graduation. They were all in home health or LTC. I held off my job search until after passing the boards because I didn't want to take a job in those areas right away.

(Although I sure would have, with a big grin on my face, if I had to.)

sophie<3 · Jul 18, 2011

Yea I understand..I am just confused on the fact that many students in the nursing programs in my area are getting jobs or at least interviews before graduating and getting their license. either they are lying on their application or you CAN apply without a license and it is being looked at.. i don't know. i was told by a clinical instructor to start applying no later than september for the Level 3 NICU in my area..and to call the unit director and talk to her as well. only problem is, i don't have a license and unless i lie my application is automatically rejected as soon as it is submitted. :sstrs:

luckily, i am an extern and have been told that i will be offered a job at my hospital but it is wherever they have openings and may not be my first choice. not too picky but i WOULD like options elsewhere

anyway, thanks for the advice :)

earthcrosser · Jul 18, 2011

You want to look for nurse residency/internship (or new grad) programs. These open up a few months before the normal graduating times (usually). They tend to have tons of applicants and are pretty competitive, but that's the best way to look for a job before you've graduated.

I think I applied to them in August or September and was hired in October (and graduated in December) when I did the new graduate thing.

boisern84 · Aug 30, 2011

Yes do it! New grad programs are so competitive, start searching and secure your position.

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2011

i dont graduate until may and i have already started applying... its so fun to be able to apply for jobs that say "RN" im almost in a bit of disbelief that will be me soon :)