when should i start applying for jobs???

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hi everyone,

so i am graduating from an associate degree program in mid may (cross my fingers AND toes). I know that i dont want to work until i pass the nclex( i want to schedule my boards for the earliest date i can get). i also know that i want to go straight in to maternity (preferably L&D) right from the beginning. i have no desire to ever work in med surg. so i plan on applying to the nyc hospitals (preferably brooklyn or queens but i am open to nassau county as well but that doesnt mean i wont apply all over nyc).

so my question is when exactly should i start applying for positons considering i aint working until i get my liscense? should i have already started? should I start now? should i wait till i graduate? should i wait till i know my test date?

i am a procrastinator so i am asking those who usually do things in a logical amount of time. and also i went to nursing school straight out of high school and besides a summer nursing internship this past summer never really had a job( i still have to do a resume which is completely baffling to me). so i dont have the faintest idea of what is expected or any thing like that.

any adivec is better than no advice.

thanks in advance.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

Now! It takes them awhile to "process" things, so now is the time to get started....

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

About 2 months ago would have been ideal. Many facilities have already interviewed for new grad programs and are making offers at this time.

Please don't misunderstand. I'm not directing my frustration at you. But I can't help but wonder what is going on in nursing schools that senior students aren't getting better information about the application/interview/hiring process. You should have had a session with your instructors or advisors last semester preparing you for this process, including resume preparation, how to request and fill out applications, writing cover letters, networking, contacting nurse managers and recruiters, schedules of job fairs, interview preparation, etiquette, factors to consider in accepting an offer, professionalism, applying and preparing for NCLEX, interim permits (if your state allows them), etc.

It's tough enough in this job market for experienced nurses. New grads need, and should receive guidance from their nursing education programs.

Good luck to you!

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I also graduate in May. Our school had seminars about how and when to apply the end of last semester (Dec. 08). I have been sending out resumes for the past 4 months. It's tough out there. Only a few call backs and I am in two honor society's, my grades are high. My school also helped with our resume and cover letter. I guess it just depends on the school. Apply yesterday...and don't use "ain't" in your cover letter.lol

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

Go to the unit directors of the places where you did clinicals (if you made a good impression) and talk with them about possibilities....

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First you should get used to the good possibility that you will not get your first choice in positions. Especially with L&D, most hospitals are not willing to look at new grads for this area.

You should really go see a career counselor at your school to help you with your resume and interviewing skills. If your resume isn't up to date or written properly you will not get considered or called in to interview. Your resume and cover letter are your first impression. You have to make this count.

You should check with the places you submit your resumes to- some places do not want to talk to you until you have your NCLEX and yet other places have already placed new grads for their new grad program. You need to really do your research on it and get started ASAP.

Also, you have to apply for anything and everything at any type of facility. You may have to send out and apply for 400 position over 6 months before you get a call back. You may have to write lots of letters and make lots of phone calls before you find a position. And you may have to do med surg even though you don't want to. You just have to get out there and work. The harder you work at finding a job the better.

Good luck!

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oh wow thanks, in their defense....maybe i missed that part lasst semester when i was in the hospital for the last 2 weeks of school.

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