How Long After Graduating to Start a Job?

[Student_Nurse3]

Hi!

I will be graduating nursing school at the end of this year and I had a couple of questions regarding a typical amount of time between graduating nursing school and starting a new nursing job. First, how long do you typically take to study for the NCLEX? Also, if you have a job offer before graduation, will the place of hire typically tell you how long you have until they want you to start working? For example, the unit manager tells you we want you to start working within a month of graduation? If anyone has any experience with this I appreciate it ?

[LovingLife123]

I had a job offer prior to graduation. I started the new grad residency program immediately after graduation and passed my NCLEX 1 month after. The residency was 8 weeks and you were expected to pass NCLEX by the time you finished. If you didn’t you were given an additional 45 days to retake and pass.

[BagelBomber, ASN, BSN, RN]

I graduate in May, and have a job lined up for July (provided I pass my NCLEX, of course). I started putting in applications at the beginning of February, and was hired on the 17th. I imagine it depends on the job market in your area, but I started my job search before graduating so I wouldn't feel bonkers trying to land a job after.

[Christina_, BSN, RN]

Hello! I graduated in May 2019 and it took me awhile to find a job. I passed my NCLEX in July 2019. & started to apply for jobs in August. I was able to land a job in December and started it in January.

You can start applying for jobs now (esp new grad programs) and they will ask you when you plan on taking the NCLEX. At your interview you will talk about start dates depending on you passing the NCLEX. If you already work as a CNA or nursing student somewhere then it will be easier for you to get a RN job at that place. However, if you don't I recommend looking for one now ? ! I didn't think I would have such a hard time landing a job. I wish I applied while I was in my last semester of nursing school.

If you fail your NCLEX on the first try you have to let the job know & some may give you more time others may not it really depends. Just make sure to talk to them about it during the interview process.