When to apply for a job??

[rofo4life]

I am just about to start my last semester in the Drexel Ace program and was wondering when to start applying for a job? Do I need to wait until I pass the NCLEX or should I do it now.....should I have started already?? Thanks in advance for any help.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I started applying in Dec/Jan and didn't graduate until June. I would recommend you start applying soon, especially if you want to get into a harder to get area, such as ER, ICU, or peds.

[lizmatt]

As far as I can tell, now is the perfect time to apply. Though, I have found that some hospitals in PA that usually hire now are unsure about the #of new grad positions they will have for May because of the economy I guess.

But yeah all of the hospitals I have contacted said Dec-Feb is the best time to apply.

In Pa you do not need to pass Nclex first.

[Tay245, RN]

Definitely apply now because the longer you wait the less jobs they will have to offer.

[luvmy2angels]

I started about 3 moths before graduation. Most places will hire you as soon as you have your temporary practice permit and give you anywhere from 3 months to a year to take your NCLEX.

[Am_Byth]

I am graduating at the end of May and I am handing in my application Monday. :)

[Keri8680, BSN, RN]

I sent in apps over my winter break, set up interviews at UPMC over my spring break (last week), got invited to return a couple days later to shadow a couple of units, and got called two days later from the nurse recruiter offering me a job on a telemetry unit after graduation. I'd say by getting my stuff in early I had an advantage!