Jobs before graduation

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Specializes in L&D.

How many applications did you submit before you got an interview? Also, did you start applying before you graduated? I graduate from my bsn program in dec 2k15 and im just wondering when I should start looking. Is like to work as soon as im done with school.

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I had multiple job offers before I graduated with one application. I started interviewing about 2 or 3 months prior to graduation.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I'd start applying a few months before graduation. Also, fish around where you have been doing clinicals. Introduce yourself to managers, and ask the nurses who are happy with you to let their managers know! I did all of this, and the manager actually lined up my preceptorship and offered me a job halfway through! Sadly, there was a hiring freeze on prelicensure new grads, and they wouldn't let her hire me (apparently she was NOT happy about this), so the search continues. But the point is that doing this stuff pays off. I was the only person (that I know of) from my class who graduated with an offer.

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Specializes in L&D.
I'd start applying a few months before graduation. Also, fish around where you have been doing clinicals. Introduce yourself to managers, and ask the nurses who are happy with you to let their managers know! I did all of this, and the manager actually lined up my preceptorship and offered me a job halfway through! Sadly, there was a hiring freeze on prelicensure new grads, and they wouldn't let her hire me (apparently she was NOT happy about this), so the search continues. But the point is that doing this stuff pays off. I was the only person (that I know of) from my class who graduated with an offer.

VERY helpful. Makes alot of sense. Thanks so much.

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Specializes in Pedi.

1 and I had my job secured two months before graduation. For a December grad, I'd say start looking in September.

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Specializes in ED.

The hospitals in my area start posting RNA positions in late September. I applied to three jobs, had two interviews, and one job offer by the end of October, which I accepted. I graduated in December.

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1 and I had my job secured two months before graduation. For a December grad, I'd say start looking in September.

Many of my classmates made the mistake of not looking till after finals. By then interviews are set up, and they are pretty much out of luck for most GN positions.

Start looking early - get an idea of where you want to apply the prior semester and call HR and ask questions about posting timeframe!

Even better? Get a tech position on the floor or at the hospital you want 6 months to a year before you apply.

Internal hired usually get the spot 9 times outta 10 before someone else applying.

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Everyone says they are "too busy" or "cannot quit" their current job to be a tech during nursing school.

Trust me - you can sacrifice 2x a month for a PRN position. Everyone in my class that actually got a job, worked as a tech. I myself was only PRN nights for only 6 months and got a spot on my floor. Best decision I've ever made, because now - I'm all set! No need to scramble :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I actually started looking for a job AFTER graduation, not because I wanted to, but in my area saturated with nurses, I kept getting rejection letters and blocked from going further in the application process; they wanted a valid license before applying.

I did make contacts two months before I graduated by attending a job fair; my saving grace was I was working as a LPN and I could transition into working as an RN while I looked for employment elsewhere.

Once I put applications in, the one job I started in they called me about 2 months from the application process, had a screening interview, then job interview and shadow (another 2 months) then after all my references came back, it was another month, then I was offered the job. I then had to wait about two months to start the job. Total time: 8 months.

It's possible to find a job after graduation; however my circumstance was slightly different; the best time to start is NOW; meaning, try to get a tech job during school to work on the weekends if possible; get good grades and have a average to above average GPA if possible; and get to know charge nurses and nurses you are working with as well as instructors that may work for health systems to help to establish contacts in having a job.

I went on several job interviews name dropping that created a great connection with HR and the people I interviewed with; even recently, having a particular clinical instructor that was affiliated with the organization I had rotated with almost three years ago was enough of an impression to go forward with helping me secure a position in their organization.

Build lasting contacts in nursing school and in nursing and doors will open for you. :yes:

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About a third of my nursing school classmates had jobs lined up before graduation. Start applying.

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