rn residencies: when to apply?

I would say starting in Nov. is reasonable. If you are looking for a residency program, they probably usually start posting around the end of the semester. You could always call HR at the facilities you're interested in and ask when the jobs will be posted.

Most of the RN Residency programs I have seen have stated that you must graduate with your degree by the start date, and have passed your NCLEX..never does it tell you to wait until you have done that to apply. For example, the one for CHLA that starts in March. Applications closed a few weeks ago already, and in it it asked you if you would have your RN license by then and your ADN/BSN by March. So that would have been one you could have applied for.

I say, start applying now! As long as it doesn't get in the way of your clinical hours/ studying for the boards. The worst that could happen is you waste a few hours filling out applications and essays. Quite a few of my classmates had jobs in residency programs lined up before their graduation.

Good luck to you!!

If you graduate in December, I personally would start applying by the middle or end of October. Play it safe and do it early.

I made the mistake of waiting until I was licensed to apply for residencies. Although I was granted interviews, the recruiters who interviewed me were suspicious as to why I had 'waited' until after graduation to apply.

But what if you graduate in the summer? You can't help but apply after you graduate then.

I would start looking around now on the hospital websites and on AN. I know the hospital I really want to work at traditionally opens their application period for RN residencies about 4 months before the month I expect to graduate in. Best to believe that I have their website bookmarked on my bookmarks bar already even though I graduate in August 2013.

In short, it's going to vary widely between hospitals. Some want you to apply months in advance of graduations; others won't look at you until you have your license. Make a Word document on your desktop to keep track of when you can apply to the residencies. Research, research, research!