When to Apply for a new grad job

Published

Hi!

I'm in a A-BSN program and my class graduates in December. We're all a little confused as to when we should start applying for jobs. We've been told August, but will hospitals hire prior to taking the NCLEX? Will there be nurse preceptorships/ internships available for us since we'll be graduating on an "off" semester?

I'll be applying in South Carolina, but my classmates will be applying in Virginia, so any advice is welcomed!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Depends on the hospital. Most of the facilities in my area will no longer look at you without your license, may be different in your state though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A lot of the new grad hospital programs I looked at would consider you prior to graduation, and MANY had start dates in January, so December isn't really *that* off of a graduation time. Starting in August is smart. Just be prepared to have no luck until after you get your license and don't be discouraged by that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care. CVICU. Adult and Peds PACU..

First off, congrats on almost being done!! I actually graduated in December 2010 and started applying in September. I interviewed a month later and was offered the job in November (but I didn't start until January). Our hospital hired new grads who hadn't taken their NCLEX yet (they even paid for our NCLEX review class). Keep in mind this was an extremely competitive new grad program to get into. Start trying in August, get to meet nursing managers, stand out in your preceptorship :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks for the advice everyone! August it is! (Don't have anything to lose I guess!)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have read other posts that they graduated with job offers waiting before they even took the NCLEX. Another common theme I see for success is not applying online but actually going in to speak to the managers of each floor/unit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion