When to apply for a job??

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!