Just graduated. When to start looking for a job?

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Hello

I graduated from NP program and preparing for my board exam. When should I start looking for a job. Should I wait until I will be certified or start looking now? I heard it takes a few months before people actually start working after they got accepted to a new position. Thanks.

A.

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Specializes in Step-Down Vascular, Renal, ESRD.

I just graduate too and now studying for boards. I started networking 6-8 months before I graduated. I had two possible positions right after I graduated. I have a position now and I glad I started early because many of my classmates do not have any prospects. I got a job at the hospital where I worked. So in other words start now !!!!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Orthopedics, Hospitalists.

Yup, ASAP! Good luck!

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Specializes in FNP.

I graduated in December and haven't gotten around to scheduling boards yet. I was talking to a recruiter in another state who told me to call her back when I am fully licensed in that state, so I guess it depends. I had several classmates who had secured positions well before graduation. I'm waiting until late summer.

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Specializes in Nurse Practitioner-Emergency Room.

Start looking as early as possible. The process of getting a job as an NP, as I've learned in some settings, takes a considerable amount of time. I had to take boards, get my license, apply through a physician group of which I got hired, then I had to do an application for the hospital I'd be working at as an ER NP (where I also worked as a nurse). I had to get things notarized, then I had to fill out a bunch of paperwork for credentialing, and all this is taking an extra month. So, I would try to start looking ASAP. Employers know that all these things take time, so they will work with you knowing that it is a process. I had two employers calling me wanting me to start getting the ball rolling, so I feel like you can't start too early. Thankfully, I got my test scheduled fairly early after graduating (graduated in December, took test and passed in January), and I got the job I had wanted the whole time I was in school. I was lucky, but I started networking with the medical director of that ER several months before graduating. Do start looking soon. You won't regret it, and like I said, the employers will understand. Good luck finding the position you want! Good luck to all those that haven't taken boards that graduated this past December. I took the Academy, and I promise you guys, if you were in a good program, and put in the time learning, if you do some time of prep, you should be fine. The best of luck to all my future colleagues!

Kyboyrn, MSN, NP-C

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