When is a good time to apply for RN positions while in schoool?

[ishashel]

I am currently in my last semester of nursing school and a few of my classmates have already been applying for RN jobs and have been setting up interviews. I am currently trying to focus on these last 5 weeks and going to begin studying for my NCLEX. I don't want to get behind in the "job world," but I also want to make sure that I pass. Any suggestions?

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I think it's regional. We had a hiring manager for the float pool of a nationally recognized pediatric hospital tell us that we should apply the first month of our final semester however in my area, they don't want anyone till you're graduating unless you work for them or you're applying for the residency program. I've applied and was turned down numerous times. However, my job also wants to hire me as an graduate nurse and then an actual nurse after I become licensed. The residency program just finally got back to me.

I'd make a resume and apply to a few positions each week until you see a trend like your submissions are being rejected automatically from the hospitals. Track them in an excel spreadsheet. I'd also look for residency positions.

I graduate Dec. 2013.

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

I started applying in January 2013 and I graduated in May 2013. Some of my classmates had solid job offers for after graduation by February! I almost think you can't start applying too early for jobs.

[RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN]

If we want to work for the hospital system that my school if affiliated with, we submit all of our paperwork with the areas we're interested in (or definitely not interested in) and they forward our information to the nurse managers. This is done during our final semester.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Since I last posted, I've had 4 call backs who want to interview me.

[Guest757854]

Applesxoranges..........did u graduate yet??