How soon to start my first job after graduation?

[birthworker]

I was just offered my first job, the one I wanted, while still in accelerated nursing school, graduating 8/26! My only concern is that they suggested that I attend orientation in September. I would prefer to postpone my orientation start date to October at the earliest, as I plan to go on vacation for a week after graduation, and then assumed I’d need a month to study. While they did say I could work while studying, with the caveat being I needed to pass 90 days after my start, I’d simply like more time to breathe and then solely study, frankly. As an aside, I also have two young kids. In your opinion, is it okay to request a later start date? If so, when do you recommend that I start so that I can account for a vacation and the NCLEX? TIA!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Congratulations. You have just completed the special h*ll known as nursing school. They can suggest all they want. Hospital is in a hurry to get you up and running. Take some time off to relax.

[klone, MSN, RN]

This may be just me, but I never thought it necessary to spend too much time studying after graduation. Maybe 30-60 minutes a day reading through the NCLEX practice test books, which you can easily do on your break. My thoughts are, at this point you either know it or you don't. My recommendation would be to schedule the NCLEX as soon as possible after graduation as you are able to (when I graduated from nursing school, I had two young kids also). 

Take your vacation, but don't plan on taking a month to study.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

It never hurts to ask for what you want.   You might find they will work with you.  If they are unwilling then consider backing up and negotiating the vacation only if you really want this job.  I've worked with several new grads that took a vacation soon after starting.

I agree with the poster above that you don't need to take a month to study.  Most people that need to work right away for financial reasons pass NCLEX on the first try even with children.  

So ask for what you want and see what happens.  You might just get it.  Congrats!!

 

[Davey Do]

My advice is in my actions:

I graduated on a Friday and began a new job the following Monday.

[LovingLife123]

You don’t need a month to study.  You just need to run through about 50 questions a day.  I graduated May 12th, started my residency program May 22nd, and took NCLEX June 10th.

NCLEX is a test to see if you are safe enough to be an entry level nurse, that’s it.  Don’t overthink it.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

If it's a residency program, it's possible you would have to wait a few months for the next cohort.

Go ahead and ask about a vacation but don't lose sight of the fact that landing a job as a new grad is not always guaranteed.

[Beerman, BSN]

On 5/27/2022 at 9:05 AM, Davey Do said:

My advice is in my actions:

I graduated on a Friday and began a new job the following Monday.

40 years ago.  Things may not be the same.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

7 hours ago, Nurse Beth said:

If it's a residency program, it's possible you would have to wait a few months for the next cohort.

This. It could be there are only 2-4 dates of hire for new grads at the facility. If you've already been offered and it's a position you want, you may not have another option. If you defer to the next start date for new grads, they may not hold a position for you.

[2BS Nurse, BSN]

I would say, if you can afford to, go take the month off! Go on vacation! You earned it!

I suppose it depends on where you live and what the job market looks like in your area. The jobs are available for the picking where I live. 

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

12 hours ago, Nurse Beth said:

If it's a residency program, it's possible you would have to wait a few months for the next cohort.

Go ahead and ask about a vacation but don't lose sight of the fact that landing a job as a new grad is not always guaranteed.

Especially if it's your dream job/specialty. They may hold out an offer, but maybe not the one you want. Ask, it never hurts

[klone, MSN, RN]

10 hours ago, Beerman said:

40 years ago.  Things may not be the same.

16 years ago I did the same.