New grad programs, how early to start process?

[nurse2b2015]

I may be jumping the gun, but I just want to be sure I am not missing crucial deadlines. I start the ASDN program in Florida in August (yayyyy!) and will graduate in may of 2015. I don't plan on being in this area for long after I graduate, thinking of either Dallas, TX or Orlando, Fl because I have family in those areas. I looked into the Versant program and there are a ton of hospitals in the Dallas area, at what point in my education do I need to start looking at applying, calling, etc. (same for other programs you may know about that I don't)

I do plan on g going straight into a BSN program once I graduate, as I know as a BSN I will have more opportunities, it just isn't an option in my area for me so I have to do it in stages

Thanks in advance for any advice!!

[LifesAJourney]

It depends on your graduation date. Being that you graduate in the spring, start looking end fall/early spring (October/November-Januaray/February). They do this early to search through possble applicants and select the ones they want and begin training in the summer.

The really competitive residency/internships may possible open their applications as early as late fall. Be proactive and prepare! Make of list of possible residency/internships beforehand. Make note of when application cycles open and close. Complete all gathered requirements. Make good/great grades in school (A's and B's). It doesn't hurt to be involved in at least one nursing club/extracurricular ONLY if you have time. Remember, school and studies come first!