Pinning ceremony in a few days - When and how to start job search?

[EP10]

I am graduating in a few days from a BSN program and plan to take the NCLEX at the end of January (2016). I keep seeing people say you should start looking for jobs before getting licensed, but I'm not sure if there is a specific place to look aside from online job searches (monster, etc) and the hospitals website job listings.

The confusion sets in when every job listing states needing a current RN license - how can I apply to anything without being licensed yet?

Not sure where/how to start. I would appreciate any and all advice in pointing me in the right direction.

Thanks!

[LV3677]

I started applying to residency programs 3 months prior to graduation. I applied for nursing jobs on hospital websites about 1 month prior to graduation. I put that I did not have a current license but put my anticipated NCLEX date. I ended up getting a residency, and most of my classmates were hired prior to graduation

[ED Nurse, RN]

When you apply to a hospital as a new grad there are generally specific listings that you need to apply to- for example it will say extern, residency. If you aren't sure contact the nurse recruiter for the facility you would like to work in and they can help guide you. Most states also offer a temporary license after you graduate until being fully licensed.

[38pearl]

It totally depends what state/region you're applying to. From my experience, North Carolina & Maryland tend to hire new grads while they're still in school/early after graduation before taking the NCLEX whereas Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) requires you to have passed the NCLEX before applying to many jobs. Granted, those are not blanket statements that apply to every hospital and every position, but if you broaden your search you might be able to find positions that you are eligible to apply for now. Also, even if it does require you to have already passed the NCLEX before applying... why not apply now any way? Worst case they ignore you, but who knows! Best of luck!

[Rory8]

Almost all of my classmates that got jobs prior to graduation were part of the new grad nurse residency program at the hospital. You could look into residency options where you are, the deadline to apply might have already passed but it can't hurt to look. Some of my other friends still applied for jobs outside of the residency program before they got their license and they were hired with the contingency that they would pass the NCLEX by a certain date. I went on a big vacation before taking my boards so I decided to wait to apply to jobs until after I passed, so it was a bit easier for me because I had the RN after my name. No matter which way you go though, I would advise you to network as much as you can. Find out the names of the directors or managers of units you are interested in an send them an email selling yourself and showing your interest. It's hard getting a job as a new grad so do anything you can to make yourself stand out. Good luck!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Your nursing department might schedule recruiting events for the nurse residency programs or have the nurse recruiter contact info. New grad residencies or similar require application before graduation so obviously pre-nclex/pre-license. You should have networked during clinical rotations.

You may be too late for spring nurse residency program applications but search the programs and policies at your local facilities. Check with HR for nurse recruiter info and see if you can contact directly