May Grad...How soon is too soon for job app.?

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Jan 4, 2006

R -- Apply NOW!

I'll be a June 2006 grad. Interviewed last month. Landed my spot in a telemetry unit yesterday.

Good luck!

MMARN, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2006

Aren't there slots for unlicensed nurses? If you're really confident that you will pass the NCLEX, go ahead and apply now. I don't think is a bad idea. Good luck!

suzy253, RN · Jan 4, 2006

I'm a may-grad-to-be (hopefully) and we've been advised to start applying...like NOW. *gulp* :bluecry1:

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 4, 2006

Yes. Start making those contacts now. Ask the recruiters what THEIR preferred timetable is: don't make assumptions. You might not live in an area where all the best spots get filled early, but you might. Let them know of your interest and start the process of looking, asking for information, interviewing, etc. If they tell you to wait, then tell them politely that you will be back in touch with them at the time of their choosing -- but at least you will be "on their radar" and have your name in front of them.

Good luck,

llg

TheRickster · Jan 4, 2006

Thanks for the pointers, kids. I guess I will make a few calls & send a few e-mails and see which fishie nibbles.

R.

FutureRN2005 · Jan 5, 2006

Apply early! Don't make the same mistake I did. I just graduated in december 2005 and I did not begin to apply untill the begining of november thinking that with so many nursing jobs out there I would not have any problems. :banghead: Silly me. Most specialty areas only accept a limited number of new grads. Even if they have plenty of open positions in that area. And the spots fill up quickly. I found myself wishing that I had applied earlier like others did.

Oh well, good luck to you.

Zari.SVN · Jan 9, 2006

so a good rule is apply 5-6 mos. in advance? i graduate in october and that's a long way off, maybe i should start looking in may? i plan on going abroad so i'm not sure ---

anyone have any good advice on traveling abroad for jobs ???

LeesieBug · Jan 9, 2006

Yep, Yep...start now! Most of my classmates have begun putting out resumes...I know in last year's graduating class, most people had jobs secured by March, if graduating in May.

I graduate in May and accepted a job last week! I was thinking I was too far ahead of the game to get anything, but I got a job at the hospital I wanted and also have a nice selection of units and shifts to choose from.

luvmy2angels · Jan 9, 2006

I will be graduating in 6 weeks and was told I should start applying in Nov/Dec. I waited until late Dec and sent a TON of resumes out. All but 2 places told me to wait until I had my licesnce THEN contact them. There are a lot of laws as to where you can and can't work as a GPN, some places (if they will hire you) will only let GPNs work day shift since you must always be supervised by an RN. My suggestion is to contact the places you are interested in and ask them FIRST if they even hire GPNs and then ask them when would be the earliest your resume would be considered. I have had MUCH more success doing it this way. Good Luck to you !!

pugmum · Jan 10, 2006

Congratulations on your future graduation. IMO its never too early to get those resumes out and indicate to others that you are looking. Depending on the area you are in, some may not consider you until after you have pass your exams.

On the other hand, summer is coming and so are vacations. Wise managers and HRs will have nurses waiting in the wings. So I say get them out and get your name familiar....and good luck to you! :)