Questions about applying to jobs before graduation

[Regina_Phalange, BSN]

I was told by a few people that you should start applying to jobs before you graduate to try and get something lined up, however, my professor was explaining that applications go through an automated filtering system that will throw out any applications that do not fit the requirements. I graduate on April 14, so I started submitting some applications but I keep finding myself questioning how I should answer the "do you have a current RN license" question and the "Did you graduate" question. I feel like if I answer no to those questions, my application will not even make it to the hiring personnel desk, but if I answer yes that is lying. What I have been doing is answering no to the license but yes to graduating, since I am only a couple weeks away and at this point there isn't anything I can do to fail this last class.

What would or did you do when applying before graduation? Will my applications just be thrown out since technically I am not meeting the qualifications of the post just yet?

[llg, PhD, RN]

It really depends on the individual employer. Not all hospitals use that type of computerized screening. You need to do a little investigation of the individual hospital to find out the answer for each one.

At my hospital, many of the best new grad jobs are offered and accepted before the student graduates. We have a computerized application process, but don't screen out students applying for new grad positions.

I always recommend that graduating seniors contact the Nurse Recruiters at the hospitals that interest them well before graduation -- not to apply, but to ask them what their timetable is. When would they like you to apply? What would they recommend for you to do given that you expect to graduate in April? Those of some of the questions that you should be asking at career fairs, recruitment events, etc.

[Regina_Phalange, BSN]

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, there are no jobs currently that are explicitly stating they are hiring new grads, but there are a lot that are listing 6 months acute care experience preferred but not required, so a new grad could potentially fit in to that category.

I believe most hospitals in California use a computerized application process. Would you recommend I call the hospital's HR department since there is no contact on the recruitment post? I worry that the person I speak with likely won't know what the floor manager would recommend though. I would consider trying to reach the floor manager, however, with how busy all hospitals are at this time I do not feel it is appropriate to interrupt them from much more pertinent business.

[Mya K. Brewster]

33 minutes ago, llg said:

It really depends on the individual employer. Not all hospitals use that type of computerized screening. You need to do a little investigation of the individual hospital to find out the answer for each one.

At my hospital, many of the best new grad jobs are offered and accepted before the student graduates. We have a computerized application process, but don't screen out students applying for new grad positions.

I always recommend that graduating seniors contact the Nurse Recruiters at the hospitals that interest them well before graduation -- not to apply, but to ask them what their timetable is. When would they like you to apply? What would they recommend for you to do given that you expect to graduate in April? Those of some of the questions that you should be asking at career fairs, recruitment events, etc.

How do you get in contact with Nurse Recruiters? Online? Walk in the front door and request one? How? Thanks in advance!

[Regina_Phalange, BSN]

37 minutes ago, Mya K. Brewster said:

How do you get in contact with Nurse Recruiters? Online? Walk in the front door and request one? How? Thanks in advance!

I actually just called the hospital I was applying to and told them I am applying to nursing positions and had some questions and was hoping to speak with the recruiter responsible for those postings. They transferred me to someone who had all the answers I was looking for, thankfully. The person I spoke to advised me that I should wait until I graduate and get my license because there is a big chance the application will not make it past screening if those required questions are not answered "yes".

He did say that many hospitals are creating a nurse pool for the COVID response, and though it does require travel, they are not requiring any experience and pay starts around $100/hr. I have 3 small kids, so I can't travel, but for any other new grads or soon-to-be new grads, this may be a viable option for you!

[llg, PhD, RN]

On 3/20/2020 at 5:42 PM, Mya K. Brewster said:

How do you get in contact with Nurse Recruiters? Online? Walk in the front door and request one? How? Thanks in advance!

Try telephone and e-mail. There should be some sort of contact information on the employer's website.