Is it appropriate to apply for jobs before you graduate?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Sep 2, 2015

There's no single answer to this question. Some places will not even look at your application without a license number. Some places will. Your best bet is to call around to likely employers' HR departments and ask. IF you are currently working as a tech, and are likely to be hired- ask your manager. Sometimes 'side deals' are made which are not sanctioned by HR but result in jobs nonetheless.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 2, 2015

I definitely agree with meanmaryjean. Each employer has its own policy on that. Some will start the interview and hiring before you graduate: others will want you to wait. The only way you can know is to ask them.

Jules A, MSN · Sep 2, 2015

I always recommend trying and the first place to consider is a clinical site that you enjoyed and felt like your style fit in with the team. I met with the nurse manager while I was attending my last rotation there and had an offer before I had passed NCLEX.

slauren · Sep 2, 2015

It depends on the company. Where I live some of my classmates got jobs prior to graduating. Mainly because they worked as a med-tech during the program or got a foot in the door through our program with their good grades. Some hospitals offer new grad programs where you follow a preceptor for 12 weeks or so to use it as experience and if they like you enough may hire you. Like suggested, get ahold of Human Resources and ask if they offer opportunities for new grads.

arnwest · Sep 16, 2015

Like everyone else said, it probably depends on the company where you're applying. My experience, however, was this: I applied for, interviewed and secured a job about a month before I graduated from school. The nursing recruitment department was happy to get me through the hiring process before the huge influx of new grad applicants in May/June. Having a position secured gave me a lot less to worry about during finals/NCLEX time. Good luck!