How do you get a job before graduation/nclex????

nakeia · Aug 7, 2009

landing a job early means applying early... real early! i graduated this may and some in my class started applying in december and they had jobs by february.

86toronado, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2009

I started applying in January, got my job offer in February, graduated in May. I think if you're in your last semester it's okay to apply to new grad positions, based on the fact that you've proved your academic worthiness by getting so far already.

As for the LPN question, it depends on where you want to work, but for most of my classmates who were LPN's already, having that experience meant squat when going to apply for RN positions... the only exceptions were those who were staying at their current place of employment (ie: working at the dialysis center as an LPN, then being hired at the same center as an RN.)

ittybabyRN, RN · Aug 8, 2009

Graduated in May, applied December, had a job by January. Made for a difficult attention span that last semester let me tell you, all I could think about was my new job! My advice would be to apply early, the earlier the better, if they are not hiring that early generally they will tell you to apply later, that happened to me in a few places, better sooner than later in this economy though!

AllSmiles225 · Aug 8, 2009

This sounds so naive but I never realized that you could do that. They hire you in January to start after you graduate in May? How did those who did this land those types of positions. I'm very curious because I am an RN student starting in the fall. I don't want to stay at my current place of employment where I work as an LPN when I graduate as an RN.

tuttle13 · Aug 8, 2009

Many hospitals post listings for "graduate nurse" with expected grad date of ____, or you can just send in your resume saying when you will graduate. Some places you can work as a GN while waiting to take NCLEX, other places want you to pass NCLEX and have a license # before working but will still hire you in advance. I started looking in January, graduated in May and still do not have a job. Finally got my first interview coming up, but I was only lucky to get it after I passed NCLEX. It depends on the local economy and the hospital. Usually looking for a job pre-grad will give you a few offers before graduation, however this year (at least where I am) hiring freezes have left us new grads jobless. I still think it is best to apply early and keep applying until someone grants you an interview. Good luck.

faithful64 · Aug 8, 2009

I graduated in June but started applying for work in February, had lots of interviews in March and signed my contract on April 28. I interviewed at all the local hospitals and ended up landing my dream job in OB. I worked this past year as an LPN at a hospice house. I found that the response to my having worked as an LPN the last year was very favorable in all of my interviews. Even though OB and hospice are totally different, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. It's been very valuable to me as far building my confidence and practicing clinical skills...and I enjoyed the work. Also, a big plus for me was that my DON at the hospice was friends with the DON at the OB unit where I was hired, so she was able to call her and ask what she thought of me. I did not know this ahead of time, but at least where I live, the world of nursing can be very small and having connections sure helps.

I will say that the process of looking for an RN job while in school was very stressful to me, because I felt like everyone in my class was getting offers before I did, which wasn't true, but boy did it feel that way. BUT, I'm so glad I did it. It was a great feeling knowing I would be starting soon after school. Some of my friends who waited last year until they had their RN license still didn't have jobs 6 months later.

So, for my 2 cents, if you want to get your license and work as an LPN this next year, go for it! You never know, your LPN job may lead you straight into your RN job. And apply early, and be persistent. Good luck!

Krystan · Aug 9, 2009

It seems like it might depend on where you are, geographically. I know here, south of Boston, things are very bad for new nurses generally. Many hospitals have hiring freezes right now and some have even laid nurses off. Two and three years ago, graduates from my school would all have jobs by graduation - the whole class! This year, not ONE person had a job at graduation. Some were promised jobs by their current employers, some worked out, and some fell through because they just didn't have openings. So, I did try, along with most of my class, to apply in January, February, etc, but no one would look at us. They took my resume, but most said to "check openings on the website once you've graduated/passed boards." So I would definitely try - it can't hurt to make those connections, but again, I think it depends on the economy in your area as to whether they will hire you early.

⚕annanonymous⚕ · Aug 11, 2009

I was interviewed on the floor where I had my last clinical rotation, thanks to one of the floor nurses who introduced me to the manager. I was offered a grad nurse position. I graduated and began work during the same week! It was hectic, much like juggling nursing school and working, because I had critical care classes, ACLS, and NCLEX to deal with.

A few of my classmates were also hired this way.

laura06baby · Aug 12, 2009

I was interviewed on the floor where I had my last clinical rotation, thanks to one of the floor nurses who introduced me to the manager. I was offered a grad nurse position. I graduated and began work during the same week! It was hectic, much like juggling nursing school and working, because I had critical care classes, ACLS, and NCLEX to deal with.
A few of my classmates were also hired this way.

congrats to you!!!

did the nurse introduce you to the manager because she liked you as a student or you asked her to....if she liked you during your clinical.....do you mind sharing what made you stand out ...sorry if it is a silly question but I am starting nursing school next week and I want to try to stay in top of things as much as possible...

thanks

⚕annanonymous⚕ · Aug 12, 2009

She liked me as a student because I was a "team player" I noticed she was having a really busy day and although I wasn't assigned to work with her, I offered to help with some of the mundane things, like removing a patient's monitor... getting them a belongings bag, etc. I would recommend being as helpful (and eager to learn) as possible especially on the floor you most want to work! Showing genuine interest helps =)

Also, not a silly a question at all. Best of luck with school. It's quite the ride!