How far in advance did you apply for your first RN job?

[ViennaRain]

First, I apologize if this post is in the wrong section. I did do a site search for this topic but found many posts that were a few years old. I know there are fewer nursing jobs available now.

I (hopefully) will graduate with my RN (Associate degree) at the end of this August 2015. My plan is to begin working as soon as possible following graduation and begin my BSN program online in January 2016 through a local college. I am looking for advice as to when would be considered appropriate to start applying for RN positions.

I am currently a CNA at a hospital and feel that I would have a decent chance of getting hired there as they do seem to hire many former CNAs for nursing positions. However, I would eventually like to work at one of the larger hospitals (there are a couple within 1-2 hours from me) and have been looking at their job postings often. Is it too early to apply for jobs that are posted now?

One more consideration is that I will have my transition (final clinical experience) in August. Some students from my school have been offered RN jobs in the department where they have had transition (especially those placed in Med-Surg). Therefore, I am wondering if I should wait to see if I have the possibility of applying/maybe getting hired following my transition. This would have the advantage of allowing me to work in a department where I already have some comfort and know other staff. However, I do not want to wait until August and risk not getting a job, especially knowing how difficult it can be to find a job as a new RN at this time.

I know this is a lengthy post- my overall question is this: should I begin applying for RN jobs now or wait until I graduate in August and try to get hired in the department where I have my final clinical? I greatly appreciate any advice or insight you all are willing to share!

Thank you.

[Twinmom06, ASN, APN]

I graduated in May 2013 and started applying, interviewing in January/February of that year and had 2 offers by March.

[jamisaurus]

I graduated in February 2013, passed NCLEX in March and didn't start working until June 2013. It felt like forever. It depends on where you live and how saturated the job market is, especially with BSNs since you have an ADN. I would interview and go for the unit you're a CNA on, because it seems more likely to happen.

Again, depending on where you live, the online applications and HR of the bigger hospital will weed you out automatically because you have 0 experience and no BSN yet. Depending on the unit you do transitions on, you might not get hired. Only half of us got job offers from transitions, usually not those of us who did specialty areas.

Just get a year of experience at your CNA unit then the likelihood increases.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I applied in September, interviewed in October, graduated in December and started at the end of January.

[flyersfan88]

Where I live, it's pointless to apply until you have a license number. Your geographical area would help give some insight.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Most major hospitals these days will not consider a new grad for just any nursing position. The vast majority have residencies/internships for new grad nurses that begin twice a year, typically in January and June. Generally speaking, these programs begin interviewing months before they actually start. Therefore applications for a January start date would likely be solicited around October/November time frame and those for a June start date would solicit around March/April. If you are not an experienced nurse it is unlikely you will be considered for any other openings at the hospital (though it never hurts to call and ask them).

As mentioned above, some areas of the country do not want to even hear from you until you pass NCLEX. Others do their interviewing beforehand and hire you with the contingency being that you pass. You will want to research your area to see what the norm is.

Definitely apply anywhere and everywhere, not just where you work and definitely not just where you have your final clinical transition assignment. The vast majority of new grad positions are not in the hospitals.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

If you apply to new grad residencies/preceptorships (though in my area only BSN grads are eligible at the two major hospitals despite two stellar ASN programs in the area) start now as interviews and selections are often complete by the graduation cycles.

Some facilities will not consider applicants who have yet to graduate and pass the NCLEX. Look at the facilities and job postings in your area to get a feel for what is available. Ask around to see if facilities in your area make job offers conditionally to pending graduates (ie the job offer is contingent on you graduating, passing the NCLEX and becoming licensed by xx date).

Areas with an abundance of nurses/new grad nurses and a shortage of available positions are less likely to offer jobs to unlicensed candidates pending graduation.

Do your research and see what possibilities there are in your area