Just Curious

I started applying for jobs about a month before graduation. I was afraid if I waited until after graduation there wouldn't be a lot left jobwise.

I applied for an internship in August, interviewed in October and accepted in October. I graduated in November and took boards in late December. Many of my classmates also had positions before we graduated. They basically just consider it a "conditional" offer, pending NCLEX results. I would call the HRs of the hospitals you are interested in applying for, explain when you graduate, and ask them when they recommend you apply. You don't want to apply too early and have your application shelved, but you don't want to wait until all the other new grads have applied either, in case the position you want has already been filled. Good luck!

I would start applying a few weeks into your last semester. As Meghan said, call and get to know the recruiters. Chances are many may even visit your school in recruiting lunches. This is especially important if you want a highly specialized area that may not take on a lot of new grads. I'd say 95% of my class had jobs lined up upon graduation. Many were already working as interns too.

Now! At least here in MI I Graduated in December and had a job September before. Everyone in my class did too. CAT

My school had recruiters visit for a day, and from there we saw which hospitals were hiring with/without license. There were a few there that day that were keen to hire for an externship, going into new RN as you passed your NCLEX.

I would send your resume now, so they have it on file - I sent mine to the hospital I work in during my last semester, even though they were among those that required passing before an interview. I think I called them two minutes after I'd finished shouting with joy, lol.

Good luck!

Now. I had my interview a year ago (early January) and job offer 2 weeks later. Don't put it off until you graduate or just before. You may have well missed the boat on getting into a good new grad orientation program. Many of the hospitals hire their GNs early.

I agree with Piki. A friend of mine applied just a few weeks before graduation and was not able to get into the unit she wanted. Yes there is a shortage, but hospitals also have a specific number of slots open for a unit. This happens specifically in big/or teaching hospitals, and in specialties (like L/D or ICU) that are competitive to get into.

Good luck

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, to all that have replied. This is my first time on this website and am floored by all the support you can get on here. All the advise is helpful please keep it coming.

Also I wondered how you handle this:

If I am applying to several jobs and get several interviews, what is the right response to the recruiter if you want to wait on excepting the offer to see what others are offering. If you tell someone you are thankful for the offer and you would like some time to think about it, is this ok, and if so how long do you get before you give them your answer?