RN w/ exp. moving when should I apply for new job?

[SurgOrtho.TraumaRN]

I am a RN with almost 5 years of experience on the same unit, in the hospital I completed my GN internship. I plan to relocate to a different city in June of this year. I am seeking a job on a similar unit but I am hesitant to apply "too early" assuming most hospitals are needing nurses NOW vs in 4 months.

I am afraid that if I apply too early I will be put in a pile of applications and forgotten about when the time comes that I actually need the job. I don't know what my new home address will be yet, I just know I want to work in Ft. Worth, Texas. Anyone know when the best time would be for me to submit my application?

[Babynurse1992]

I am currently trying to relocate within the same state, but different cities. I am trying to be able to give my current job notice, but be able to start in March so as not to keep any new jobs waiting. So far I have had zero luck with any of my interviews or applications even with experience. So my best advice is to apply and be honest about relocating! I have even heard that some hospitals will offer a relocation bonus. I hope you have better luck than I have had!

[NICUismylife, ADN, BSN, RN]

I've applied to positions and not been called back for over a month, and I've applied to positions where they called me the next day, so when I began my out-of-state job hunt, I began applying in April for a June start date just to ensure that I'd have something lined up before I moved.

I got lucky, and had a job offer within a week of applying, and they were fine with me not being able to start until June since I was coming with experience. They hired me in April, had me sign the contract, etc. and then gave me the choice of 2 different orientation dates in June to choose from.

It definitely doesn't hurt to start applying early.