How soon before NCLEX do you apply for a job?

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Jul 18, 2012

I didn't apply until I had a license in hand. Of course it was a different time and in my area jobs were not hard to come by.

VanessaLovesNursing · Jul 19, 2012

Unless you have someone who could help you get a job, I would wait... All applications ask for your license number.

JustADream · Jul 19, 2012

I started applying 1-2 months before I had my license as I recall.. but I didn't get even one call until a few weeks after my license was posted. In hindsight I wish I would have waited because I was stressing out thinking no one was interested when I think they just didn't want to bother investing in someone that hasn't passed NCLEX yet. That said, if you have a networking person in the organization then you can still try, but I'd wait on sending out mass applications for now and just focus on passing NCLEX if I were you. Best of luck!

jw_2012 · Jul 20, 2012

I started applying 3-4 months before i took the nclex, but only to specific programs that were for new grads. I had a job before I graduated! Just had to make a bit of a move for it, but if you find new grad programs they usually know you haven't taken your boards and will only ask when you plan on taking them. Good luck :-)

alibee · Jul 20, 2012

Yeah, I'd say that you'd be okay to apply for new graduate nurse positions early. Also, if you currently work in a medical setting that hires RNs, you should be okay to apply there around the time you graduate. Good luck!