What should I be doing in my last semester of nursing school?

[mag426, ADN, BSN]

Hello,

I'm going into my second week of my last semester of school. Currently I'm studying for my first exam that takes place on the 25th. It's basically on cardio and a few on management/leadership. My question for anyone that has graduated or is in their final semester. Should I be worrying about job applications like a month before graduation, I plan on taking the Nclex as soon as I can schedule the closet date after graduation. I know that I need to study and work my butt off to pass but I also have heard of people getting job offers before they even sit for the boards.

Another side note: I have worked in a hospital as a nurses aid for 4 years. They usually have a new graduate program that starts around August of every year. Right now there isn't anything in the works but I have made my manager aware that I will graduate in May. I know I would have a really good chance of getting into it with my prior experience working here. But what if they decide not to start the new grad program till later on in the year, I just want to keep my options open as far as finding employment once I pass the boards. Any advice would be appreciated :)

I'm at work now (NOC) with my med surg book open as I type so while I await your responses I will get back to studying. Also S/O to the class of 2016, we are almost done!! :)

[angeloublue22, BSN, RN]

It's always good to work on your resume and get it nice and polished, ready to go, when you get your license since most schools with offer help with that. The main thing right now is just to focus on studying, finishing off school, and passing the NCLEX. You don't want too many things on your plate right now. It is nice to get ideas about where you want to work and maybe networking a little.

[mag426, ADN, BSN]

Thank you! Maybe midway through the semester I will start working on my resume like you said and start asking questions about new graduate programs. I'm definitely not trying to overwhelm myself. Objective is to graduate and pass the NCLEX.