job hunt - when can you start?

[JOJOba]

Hi everyone. I graduate from a PNP program and officially receive my diploma on 12/30. My advisor has already encouraged us to start job hunting more than a month ago. But I do not know what to put down as my possible start date on applications. I plan on moving back to my home state of California to work, so I will be using Method 2 to receive my license, which requires me to take boards and have the certifying body verify it for CA's BON.

My question is after passing my boards, when can I expect to start working so that I may put a possible start date on my applications? Basically, what's the turnaround like for CA's BON for out-of-state new apps? After searching this forum, I've read up to 2 months for in-state apps and endorsed out-of-state apps. And I'm guessing no, but is it possible to start working as a NP while your licensing is still being processed? Thank you in advance.

[Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

This is really tough to answer because there are so many variables that go into this equation. How quickly your schools gets out your information that you are ready to test, how quickly the testing agency "ok's" you to test, how long Method 2 takes, etc. I can only speak for Texas, but several coworkers had to wait between 2 and 5 months from graduation to the start of their employment for a variety of reasons. Just think of some of the horror stories students had in undergrad waiting for their ATT on the NCLEX and add to that.

[JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP]

I started sending out job applications as soon as I finished the program, even before the official graduation date, and went on interviews right away. You really have nothing to lose. If they're ready to make you an offer you can work out with them how long it will take until the official start date. I started my first job 3 months after graduation and 2 months after passing boards.