How soon before graduation did you apply for new grad positions?

lilruRN09 · Jul 16, 2009

Like you said it, it really depends on where ur from and the job availability there. I live in NC and started my job search in march (graduated may 09') all the hospitals i applied to either had already hired their max number of new grads or were not hiring at all. So since i was unwilling to relocate i had to take a job at the nursing home i had been working as a CNA at (im really just grateful to have a job in this dreadful economy!)...... i would suggest starting in august or september.... good luck!!!

ittybabyRN, RN · Jul 16, 2009

Hi,

I graduated in May, I started applying for jobs in December, a few places told me to apply again in February or March however the place that hired me told me they wanted to interview me because she figured that anyone searching for jobs that early was really dedicated to finding one. Obviously it depends on the facility but starting early can't hurt, the worst that will happen is that they will tell you to apply again a few months later.

Good Luck!

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Jul 16, 2009

I graduated in May, started applying in January. I got hired about 6 weeks before graduation.

Dreamer-RN · Jul 17, 2009

I graduated May '09 and started applying for new grad positions in December '08. I received my first and only job offer early July '09. Fortunately, it worked out in the end because it is my first choice hospital and preferred unit.

star99 · Jul 17, 2009

I am also graduating in December, when do you plan on applying edogs334?

edogs334 · Jul 17, 2009

Thanks for all the replies thus far. I'm graduating in December '09- so I want to start the process in August (a few weeks from now). I've already started making a list of hospitals that I want to apply to- so the next step is calling them and asking how far in advance (of graduation) senior nursing students can apply. From what people have said on this thread, it seems like it can only help to start the process early. As on poster said- the worst that can happen is that a hospital will tell you to apply at a later date. I definitely don't want to wait until then to apply, however; especially in this economy. It doesn't make sense to me that so many hospitals strongly prefer experienced nurses over new grads- as if experienced nurses will actually switch facilities for little financial incentive. :/ Yes, new grads are expensive to train, but if you can retain them, they're a much better investment (I'd say).

shoegalRN, RN · Jul 17, 2009

I would start applying 6 months before graduation.

I graduated in May 2009, and I started applying in February and that wasnt soon enough. I just got job offered for an ICU New Grad Residency Program that starts Aug 3.

The sooner, the better.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 17, 2009

4-6 months prior. I graduated this past April. I started my new grad nurse position 2 days later.

In this economy, you CANNOT afford to wait. Start sending out resumes now.

Best to you,

Diane, RN

CoffeeGeekRN · Jul 19, 2009

I would recommend applying now! I started contacting hospitals in November before they even had openings. I graduated in May and had a job offer in April.