How soon should a student start applying for jobs?

jelly221,RN, MSN · Jun 16, 2011

Start applying for new grad programs ASAP. They don't require you to be licensed before hand. Start calling nurse recruiters and nurse managers on floors you'd like to work on or have had clinical on. Applying online to non-new grad positions will probably not pay off. But now is definitely the time to make contact with HR/recruiters at various hospitals and work any other connections you might have.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Jun 17, 2011

Depends on your area. Here they will send a canned denial on apps if you don't have a lic and when you do get your lic. if you have already been denied for that position you can't reapply so you set yourself up applying early. I took my NCLEX before everyone else in my class (2 weeks before). It gave me a jump start on jobs and getting my lic. (I also got my Lic. quicker after taking NCLEX, I had it next day because it wasn't busy yet, they took it and have waited a week or more) That jump start paid off. The minute my lic. was posted online I started applying to every job I could. I had a call within days. So far none of the other students that aren't on contracts have even got a call back and it's been a few weeks. No one would go with me to take NCLEX cause I was taking it so soon but it paid off and your more apt to pass the sooner you take it.

So take it as soon as you can and get a jump start on everyone else and if your area required you to have a license first this will really come into play. Have everything ready as well (resumes and such) so the minute you get your lic. you are set to start applying.

Turd Ferguson · Jun 17, 2011

Do research on facilities you would like to work at, try to get information on employment and orientation to prioritize where you want to work. I'd start applying as soon as you feel comfortable with your resume and cover letters (if you like sending cover letters... I was never a fan). Be prepared to follow up and interview like a professional (I bought a brand spankin new black/charcoal pinstripe suit just for interviews- it worked like a charm).

Most of all, don't forget about school. Our last semester was a little bit easier than others, but there's still work to be done.

Start applying for new grad programs ASAP. They don't require you to be licensed before hand.

My new grad residency program does not require you to be licensed at the time of application or interview, but you absolutely have to be fully licensed by your start date.

anny08 · Jun 19, 2011

When I graduated nursing school, it was also in December. Some of my classmates were applying around August or so, others waited until they were done. I started to apply around end of October/beginning of November, because it takes awhile sometimes for them to review your application, and for me I had to have an interview with HR first, then the manager. The job I ended up taking wasn't offered to me until end of December. Some of my classmates that waited couldn't find jobs in the area and ended up having to move elsewhere.

I would suggest starting to look into options and seeing what is out there and available. The hospital I started at didn't require the license before I started but now it does so I would check into that because depending on your program it takes awhile to get your access code to take the NCLEX. So I would recommend applying the last few months of your program. Hope it goes well for you good luck!

cjd2009 · Jun 25, 2011

Thanks guys for all of the input!! It is greatly appreciated and MUCH needed :thankya::tku:

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2011

I started applying for ALL jobs (New grad and RN) in Feb/March. I graduated in May, so about 2-3 months before graduating. I was contingently hired in April, even though I couldn't start until June or July, depending on licensure.

Many new grad programs have deadlines, so look at specific programs to see when the applications are due. Other jobs, start applying in October or November.