When can I start applying for my first job?

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I graduate in December and plan to take the NCLEX as soon as I can after that. My question is, when is the earliest that it would be okay to start applying to jobs? I've seen several jobs posted that are exactly what I want to do, but being the busy nursing student that I am, I don't want to invest the time in applying if it's way too early anyone. I'm in NC, if that makes a difference. Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks :-)

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Specializes in N/A.

October. My nurse manager said start applying for jobs two months prior to graduation. Then if hired the Nclex has to be taken within 60 days, after graduation (at my hospital).

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Specializes in PICU.

It depends what you are applying for. Many of the residency programs require applications to be submitted really early. I was a December grad too, and my residency application was due in Sept. and I had a job offer by Oct. 22nd. If you are just applying to individual job postings then I would agree with Oct. being the earliest.

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