How long did it take you to find a job after graduation?

Published

I'm in my last semster of my first year. I want to start looking for a job my third semster. Is that too early? I'm not picky on what unit I work on. I acutally prefer to work a year in med-surg for the experience and then specialize. I just don't want to be in a rush looking for it during my last semester with all the added stress of classes. Any tips on how to go about it? I'm just worried because I see all these post about people not being able to get a job months after they've graduated and taken the boards. I am willing to relocate for a year. How long did it take you to find a job after graduation?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It took me about three months to secure a position after graduation; God willing, I'll be starting in a few weeks. I'm assuming you're in a four-semester program? If this current semester is your third semester, then when do you graduate (August or December?)? I would start contacting nurse recruiters now regarding their new graduate hiring process. The worst they could say is to "call back when you're x-number of months away from graduation." If you get in contact with recruiters now, you can at least do some fact-finding- ie- the requirements you must meet (eg- applications, recs from instructors, official sealed transcripts, etc) and the deadlines for meeting them. That way, you can get a head start on meeting the requirements (at the facilities you want to apply to) so that you'll have everything in order once the application process opens up. The mistake I made was to not have all the required materials together by the application deadline- the process closed by the time I had everything together. Also, if you can, get really clear on what you want to do as a new graduate and go after those opportunities like a dog going after a bone. Don't be afraid to bug the recruiters and the nurse managers; get a per-diem CNA position on a floor you'd like to work on so that you'll have a leg up on other applicants. Finally, don't pigeon-hole yourself: don't only apply to a particular ICU at one specific hospital hoping to get a new grad position there, only to find out that you're one of 70 applicants for 2 open slots. If you want to do something like SICU or PICU (popular choices for new grads), also apply to stepdown or general floors in similar specialties. In essence, have a backup choice in case your first choice doesn't work out. One more thing- don't be afraid to follow up with nurse recruiters regarding your application; if you haven't heard from them, contacting them personally might make all the difference in the world. Hope this helps. Good luck- despite what various people on this board say about not getting a job, it can be done- you just have to be that much more resourceful and creative.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I'd suggest that you start applying during the break between your 3rd and final semester. Make a good impression during clinicals and use that as a networking opportunity also. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am in my last semester and will graduate in May. I started over Christmas break and called almost every hospital in the DC/Balitmore region. I got alot of "call back at such and such time" and I also was too late on one hopsital. It's hard to say how each individual hospital will be but I accepted a job toward the beginning of March so I would say starting early is better! Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The economy has changed things tramendously. I graduated in May 2007. I started the interview process at the begining of my last semester. Interviewed in January 2007 and accepted the position 6 months before my start date. Started July 2007. Good luck!:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology, NCLEX instructor.

Starting early is perfect, most hospitals in the DC area are on hiring freezes. Plus try not to limit yourself to a certain location.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, QI, Public Health.

Also look into working at the NIH. For the BSNer's look into public health nursing with both the Local and State health departments.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all for all your advice. I'll be starting my third semester hopefully this fall if I pass med surg this semester.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Espically with the recession what you don't want to do is to wait until after you take the NCLEX. By then new grad orientations in may hospitals have started and you wont have a chance to get in for months.

You should start at least in the middle of your last semester. Sent out applications while in school to 15 places got 4 interviews and 3 job offers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med-surg, telemetry.

I recommend getting a patient care tech job now in one of your top choice hospitals! Work hard and create a good impression now, and you'll be seriously considered as you approach licensure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgical, Critical Care, LTC & SAR.

i agree, apply early...get a tech job now to get your foot in the door, and also make a great impression at practicum...a bunch of HCC's grads in my class acquired positions from practicum.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB.

I graduate this week. I started seriously looking for a job in early March. I accepted a position last week. I tried to start looking earlier but most hospitals in this area didn't post new grad positions until late March. The job market is tight. Managers are receiving a large number of applications for a few positions. I accepted a job where I did my summer internship. It made all the difference.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion