when should I apply for a job????

wv_nurse 2003 · Feb 19, 2003

I would start after you finish the fall semester--at the lastest. This gives you the spring semester to interview and have a job lined up when you graduate. Some facilities won't hire you until you have passed your boards though--so keep that in mind as well. Best of luck to you and welcome into the wonderful world of nursing!

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 19, 2003

I applied in January (grad in May). had a job in early April. Worked out great, even tho at the time, the jobs were actually tight at that hospital in that year (1997).

Heather333 · Feb 19, 2003

Start applying at the beginning of your last semester. My hospital hired me as a GN but I had to have my Authorization To Test and my sit-pass for the NCLEX before they would let me work as a GN.

Heather

lilybug · Feb 19, 2003

Thank you all so much for the advice! I still have a whole year and some months to go before I graduate but I am so excited about getting started!!!

OBNURSEHEATHER · Feb 19, 2003

When I graduated and was getting ready to take boards, we were in the middle of moving, so we thought it best that I wait until the move was finished to start looking. By then, I had my liscense in hand. Just preference really.

We don't have GN's here, but lots of our hospitals have nurse intern programs that enable you to work until you pass boards.

Good luck to you!

Heather

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 19, 2003

Although I agree with the previous posts, here's one more thought to add to the pile.

You might want to make some general inquiries and do a little investigation during your fall semester -- learning more about the hospitals in your area, the types of orientation they provide, etc. Then, as you start your last semester, you will have a pretty good idea of your top choices and be well-prepared to go through the application and interview process.

llg

lilybug · Feb 19, 2003

The rumor at my school is that, in the past, 90% of the graduating class already have jobs by the Jan before they graduate!! My hope is to get into OB nursing. Its so confusing to find out about salaries, etc. because there are all sorts of incentives. (I am not complaining) I just want to know that I will make the right decision when the time comes!

oramar · Feb 19, 2003

If you have a chance to go to job fairs, particularly healthcare job fairs, by all means attend a few.