What’s your timeline for graduating, taking NCLEX, and getting your first job?

[medapop, BSN, RN]

I’m graduating on April 7th and I’m curious about how life after graduating went for others. How soon after graduating did you take your NCLEX? After passing the NCLEX when did you start applying and eventually getting your first job?

[beekee]

I took the NCLEX less than 2 weeks after graduating. I started working about a month after that. You should be applying for jobs before you graduate.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

I graduated first week of August 2014, got my ATT 9/2/2014, took NCLEX 9/12/2014, Got my license 9/15/2014. I started applying right after graduating, but many applications were instantly closed due to a question in the application process that asked "Do you have a current license for the position you are applying for?" I had several interviews in November and accepted a position at the end of November. I started that position in Mid-January 2015. So, from graduation to day 1 of the job was 5 months.

[Nature_walker, ASN, BSN, RN]

Job was lined up in March with a contingent of me passing school and the NCLEX. Graduated school first week of May, 6 weeks later took and passed NCLEX, started working by the end of July.

[buchanki, BSN, RN]

I graduated first week of December, started work as a graduate nurse the first week of January and took my NCLEX a few weeks after that. I was able to start work prior to passing my NCLEX though.

[NurseJae19, BSN, RN]

I would suggest applying to jobs before graduating. If you’re able to speak to nurses or directors during clinical or preceptorship that’s a plus. Take NCLEX as soon as you can, I wouldn’t recommend taking more than 1.5 months to take NCLEX.

[IzzyJ, ASN]

I think it depends on the state and hospital system when you are able to apply.

I graduated on December 15th. I didn't get my ATT until the first week of January due to the holidays. Took NCLEX January 18th. Start my job on February 17th. I was offered the job a couple of semesters ago, and have been going through the hiring process, most of which happened after passing.

[InfirmiereMaybe, BSN, RN]

You want to start applying for jobs now. My entire graduating class pretty much had jobs before graduation. We graduated December 13th. I took the time off after graduation to travel with hubby and the kids and celebrate the holidays. I then studied for three weeks straight and passed with 75 questions. Good luck.

[ThatChickOmi, ADN, RN]

Graduated in May 2019, NCLEX in early July, started first job mid-August. I agree, start applying ASAP. Many in my cohort started their searches as early as April. I started applying and set up my first interview within a week or so after graduating, got lucky.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I accepted an offer in November 2002, graduated in December, started job as a GN early February 2003, and passed the NCLEX later that month