Should I start applying for jobs now?

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Hey everyone,

I will be graduating with my RN in May from Illinois. I plan on moving to Austin, Texas in July. My question is, is it too early to be applying for jobs in Texas? Or should I wait until I have my NCLEX from Illinois and then apply? I'm just confused when an appropriate time for applying would be.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Pedi.

You should apply ASAP! Most institutions have a limited number of spots for new grads so the sooner the better. I had my job secured in March when I graduated 5 years ago. Also, if you are sure you are moving to Texas, when you apply to take NCLEX, apply for a Texas license, not an Illinois one. You can take NCLEX in Illinois for licensure in Texas.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.

sooner the better!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Most of the internships in Austin hire before graduation happens and generally speaking most hospitals do not hire inexperienced nurses outside of their internships in Texas. Don't move to Austin without a job already lined up (an offer in writing with compensation and a firm start date) unless you are in a situation where you do not have to work. That market is the most popular one in Texas and is completely saturated/overrun with new grad applicants - over 600 for each opening that posts. The odds of getting a job in Austin if you live out of state are extremely slim. For the most part they only hire from within or if you have a connection somehow.

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Moved to Texas Nurses Forum for better exposure :)

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