JOB searching advice?

[Mibi88]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the site, but have read many posts that have actually been helpful as a nursing student in a 17 month accelerated BSN program (in Massachusetts).

Coming to the end of this program, many students and I have been discussing when to search/apply for nursing jobs. However, we continue to doubt the chances of getting a job prior to passing our NLCEX which is supposedly going to happen in Feb.2016.

Does anyone here have any advice on the job seeking process? how early to begin? etc.

I know it seems like a stupid question, but many of us have been left in the dark by our professors who are not from our state initially and unfamiliar with this process.

Thanks for the time people! :)

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

What do some of the job postings state? For those that require a nursing license, I would definitely wait until you have passed NCLEX and have a license number. My facility requires applicants to input their license number as part of the online application- if a license number is not provided, the application cannot be completed. So make sure you are meeting the requirements of any job postings before applying.

There is no harm in starting to browse through job postings. Look at sites such as indeed.com and some of the other generic job posting sites available. However, be sure that you apply directly through the hospital sites- sometimes, those other sites aren't updated and other facilities may not post open positions anywhere other than on their own website.

Research potential employers. Read their missions, values, and other information about them to make sure their philosophy matches yours. Working for a facility whose values are completely different from yours can be a cause of stress and job dissatisfaction.

Network. Sometimes it's more about who you know than what you know that can help land a job, especially as a new grad. Join professional organizations such as your state nursing association and use the meetings both to gain knowledge and to meet those nurses who just might be in charge of hiring new staff.