When should I apply for 1st RN job?

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I will be graduating with my RN in December 2007 with hopes of taking boards in January. When should I begin applying for jobs? My school has not given any suggestions (yet) on this matter, and was just hoping to get a jump on research. I appreciate any suggestions for first job app/interview.

Thanks,

Becca RN-to-Be

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

I get pinned next month. I started looking around in May. Got interviewed and got several offers. I took one in Arizona. Since I plan on taking my boards there, I will start working as a nurse extern 2-while I prepare to take the exam.

I think you should start looking around Sept. Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency.

I started going to job fairs at the beginning of my final year. Just to get a feel of how they worked, talk with recruiters, and get a better idea of what to expect when I was actively looking for a job. Plus, I knew that the same group of hospitals would be putting on another job fair a few months later so I was able to look morei into the specific hospitals I was interested in, and go prepared with questions for recruiters. I started actively looking & applying at the beginning of my final semester. Apply everywhere! I had MANY offers for interviews, and several job offers before I was even halfway through the semester. Plus, 'cause I started looking early, and fast-tracked everything along, I think I was the first in my class to start working. Good Luck to you!

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I started looking for a job 2 months before my graduationg & nailed the interview & got hired for the ER on the spot, didn't need to work license pending, because I passed NCLEX on the first try. A lot of places do offer the license pending option though.

Good luck!

Rita, RN, BSN

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start looking now, beat the rush to find the hours you want. I had my job lined up in November, didn't graduate til may> I am just about the only person I know of who didn't have to work a job with overnights, because I looked early and got one of the primo shifts.

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Specializes in LTAC, Homehealth, Hospice Case Manager.

I agree, start looking now. A good way to start is by calling the nurse recruiters & asking questions. You can get alot of info that way. One of the main things you want to look for is a good GN program. I had my job waiting for me about a month before I graduated & started 2 weeks after pinning.

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September.....

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I agree, start looking now. A good way to start is by calling the nurse recruiters & asking questions. You can get alot of info that way. One of the main things you want to look for is a good GN program. I had my job waiting for me about a month before I graduated & started 2 weeks after pinning.

I graduate in December also and was wondering what kind of questions should I be asking to determine if they have a good GN program?

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Specializes in RN- Med/surg.

I'd start now. It can't hurt. If you don't hear back, then send updated resume's after you graduate.

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