Graduating May 2016-HELP!!

[fdressel]

So I am graduating with my BSN in May this year and I need some help on when to begin applying for jobs. I have tech position on an intermediate care unit but that is not particularly where I would like to work. I would like to focus more on the psychiatric specialty. Our final semester has not even begun yet and some of my classmates are saying they have already began applying for jobs. Can you apply too early for a new nurse position?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I would definitely go by what the job postings say- if one states that a nursing license is required (and some online application systems will require entry of the license number to proceed), I would hold off. However, for positions specific to new grads, I would apply sooner as those decisions may be made early.

[heather713]

first, congrats on graduating! I graduated this past May with my BSN from a school in Boston. My classmates also started applying around this time last year. Many hospitals do start posting their residency programs pretty early so I would keep your eye out for those specific positions. As the poster above said, don't wait too long because they do fill up. As for regular RN jobs (not new grad), I would probably wait until you pass the NCLEX. good luck!! This semester will fly by.

[JoJo_Mommy, BSN]

It depends on what type of job you are looking for. If you are applying for a regular nursing job I would say wait until you actually pass your NCLEX or call the HR department of the company you want to work for and ask them when is best to apply in your situation. If you are looking for a nurse residency program you may start to find the job openings around now to a month or two from now. I have seen a couple pop up for starting dates in the summer, just keep your eyes open.

[kiwi111]

Its a difficult stage because some people say it's catch 22. If you apply early the more chances of you finding a job because your ahead in applying than your peers BUT most employers want someone registered already. It depends on each situation. My friend got a job full time at a hospital right away because she applied where she interned months before graduation. I did not because I wanted to see if I could pass first but till this day I have not found a job yet (Its been half a year).

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

New grad programs know you're not going to have your license yet and expect you to apply early. Most of the ones I applied to before I graduated interviewed somewhere between February and April before graduation. If the postings are up now, it's definitely not too early to apply to them.

Regular positions, not new grad ones, are going to be a mixed bag on whether it's too early to apply.

Also - I would apply to every residency position you see, not just one in a preferred specialty. Unless you live in a very undesirable location, odds are you're going to face a lot of competition for each residency spot, and you might not get picked for what you want. Don't narrow down your options right now unless you are willing to move somewhere else for a job.