when to start applying for RN job?

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I am graduating at the end of May this year. Should I start applying for RN job now or wait until after I take the nclex? Most applications want you testing date or don't even ask, just whether or not you have a license. Is it a waste of time for me to apply for jobs now? I live in chicago.

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Specializes in ED.

Around here, you can apply for jobs about a month before your graduation date. If you get an interview they will ask your NCLEX date. There is usually at least a month between when you actually get hired and when you can actually start work because you will have a drug screen, orientation, and some training. A lot of hospitals have orientation only once a month anyway so it does buy you some time at least.

good luck and congrats on graduation!

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In NY we were told to start applying in Jan when we graduate in May! Crazy!!!

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At UVA Medical Center, they started taking applications from May Grads back in November. Interviews for May grads started January 4. In past years they generally filled the new grad positions in the ED, the 8 ICUs, Acute Peds, and L&D by the end of March. The start interviewing the August grads next month.

Two other Level One trauma centers here in Virginia are accepting applications for May grads on April 1. So it really does vary site by site.

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