HELP. When to apply for a new job when moving to a new city???

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Hello everyone. I was wondering when is the best time to start applying for a new nursing job in a new city while still at your current job. I just graduated with my BSN May 2015 and worked as a PCA (aide) prior to getting my BSN at the hospital I am currently working at. Also, I work on telemetry! When I move I would hopefully like to find a position that is med-surg, telemetry or possibly ICU.

I hope to move sometime towards the beginning of 2016 when I will maybe have a few months experience under my belt as a new grad, but was wondering when should you start applying to a new hospital (how many months before or weeks to prepare before making a move) while you are still employed? Any advice is helpful!! I am itching to get out of the same city i've lived my whole life!

Thanks :)

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

From what I have read here, gaining that first year of experience will be a big plus in your favor when you apply for a new job.

Also, depending on where you wish to relocate, jobs may be scarce and difficult to even get an interview for!

It is not recommended to move without a firm job offer/acceptance.

Check out the First Year After Nursing Licensure forum: https://allnurses.com/first-year-after/

Might find some good threads/advice there.

I wish you much success!

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thank you so much for your advice and thank you for the link attached! :)

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

It's not to early to contact some of the employers that interest you and ASK THEM when they would like you to officially apply. You may find that different hospitals have different preferences. My hospital likes to know "who's in the pipeline" and will looks forward a couple of months in its interview/hiring practices. But some hospitals prefer to wait until you have actually moved to town before they will give your application any consideration.

The best thing you can do is contact the recruiters and ask what their preferences are. Let them know you are interested and see what they say.

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