Job opening says "RN Required"

caliotter3 · Apr 24, 2009

Why don't you call the employer and ask? Otherwise you can attempt to apply. The HR department will turn you away if it is necessary to have your license. Myself, I wouldn't apply for any job without my license, as that makes me prepared to start the job. Those with a license will always be ahead of someone who hasn't tested yet. There is no guarantee that one will pass. Good luck.

LauraLiz · Apr 24, 2009

I wouldn't personally apply without my license either, even for a graduate nurse position. Mainly because if for some reason I failed the NCLEX I would be terribly embaressed and not able to work again til I passed it. But like I said, I am hardly a new grad. lol I haven't even started actual nursing classes yet..just scoping things out I guess. I am waiting to see if all these positions will be filled with the class of soon to be new graduates. There are currently 18 RN positions open - 5 of them in "Surgical" I know the hospital does it's own new RN training program prior to an actual Unit-specific orientation so I am assuming new RN's can take these positions.

fiveofpeep · Apr 24, 2009

please please dont think "Ill wait until I get my license." People who do that often are the ones who are then frantically posting that they cannot find a job. Time is of the essence in this economy. I know that when I graduate this december, I need to start applying in a few months because thats when the jobs start popping up. Good luck

NurseKatie08, MSN · Apr 24, 2009

please please dont think "Ill wait until I get my license." People who do that often are the ones who are then frantically posting that they cannot find a job. Time is of the essence in this economy. I know that when I graduate this december, I need to start applying in a few months because thats when the jobs start popping up. Good luck

It really all depends on your area. Some states (mine included) do not recognize any sort of "graduate nurse" status, and in this area, new grads (both who have passed boards, and those who haven't) are a dime a dozen. I graduated May '08, and was applying for positions since February '08 because I thought the earlier the better. No one batted an eye at me until I'd passed my NCLEX in July. Even then, I got my first official offer in the beginning of September. That's not to say don't apply early, but don't think that just because you did apply early that you won't be posting franctically that you can't find a job. It's really all luck of the draw.

vashtee, RN · Apr 24, 2009

I got my job before I passed my boards. It's very motivating to know you must pass in order to keep your job. Those who waited to pass their boards before looking for work can't find jobs now.

Go ahead and apply. The worst that could hapen is that they say they don't want a new grad.

x_coastie · Apr 24, 2009

I applied two months before we graduate, and I was still behind the curve. I had to call HR to help my application along so I could get one interview. Most people that applied early have had 2 or 3 interviews so far.

A few weeks into your last semester is when you need to start putting your applications out. The hospitals understand the time delay in getting your actual license and applying early shows initiative.

As long as you are up front about your license status the worst they can say is "no."

carluvscats · Apr 24, 2009

I had the same experience as NurseKatie. My area doesn't recognize graduate nurses, but there were a few classmates that were able to secure jobs before graduation (we were LPN's becoming RN's), on the condition of passing the NCLEX.

I'd encourage you to apply all over; worst thing you can be told is that you'll have to wait until after boards.

Best of luck to you as you pursue your new career! :)

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Apr 24, 2009

please please dont think "Ill wait until I get my license." People who do that often are the ones who are then frantically posting that they cannot find a job. Time is of the essence in this economy.

Some people have no choice but to wait. I got my license in Massachusetts, which doesn't have "graduate nurse" status. You're not allowed to practice nursing until you pass your boards.

NeosynephRN · Apr 24, 2009

My state did not have "graduate nurse" status either...but every single person in my class had a job secured 2+ months before graduating...if you waited you had no job!

flightnurse2b, LPN · Apr 24, 2009

just a thought, since alot of new grads in certain areas of the country are having trouble finding jobs, perhaps if licensure is definately required to apply for this position... why not apply as a CNA/PCT/NT (you are certainly qualified to if you've finished or are about to finish nursing school!)? that way you will have your foot in the door at a hospital! let the nurse manager know that you are finishing up nursing school and will be taking your boards soon, etc. and she may give you a graduate nurse position when you are finished! :)

alot of the techs/aides at my job are in this situation too. since the hospitals are not really hiring many nurses, they are getting in before they finish up school and that way they have priority over any outside applicant for a new RN/LPN position!

good luck to you!!

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 24, 2009

my area hires those who graduated from nursing school and are pending nclex + licensure. you can either work while preparing for the nclex or have the job offer and choose to not to start working until you have passed the nclex. the choice is yours. however, if you choose to start working, there is a time limit given to you by the employer to pass the nclex and have a license. i choose to work and study for the nclex because it was best for my circumstances. however, a few others did the same did not pass her nclex and are out of a job... this happens to some but not everyone!

btw, in my area nursing students getting ready to graduate apply for rn positions. once you apply hr sees that you are not licensed and will give you a nurse extern title when hired. therefore, be sure you know what is best for you and how your area (or the particular hospital) works. gl! :twocents:

fyi... employer websites do not mean anything!!! an employer will post job openings and have no real jobs available. the postings can be representative of anticipation of an opening in the future or a way for hr to continue to get applicants just in case there is a need for a particular department. so stop looking at openings and talk to hiring managers (they are not hr reps) to find out the true need.