When should I look for a job?

MIA-RN1, RN · Nov 2, 2005

I take my CPNE this week. If I pass, I have been told I can apply for an authorization to test for the NCLEXRN.
I am wondering how soon I should begin looking for a job? I know the local hospital has a med surg position open for the day shift (I've decided to start with med surg to get a strong base for moving up to other things, like agency work) so I am thinking I would like to apply for this job, but should I wait until I'm licensed as an RN?

No! don't wait. I am not graduating til May and I just accepted a job offer this afternoon for a position starting June 5. You can work as a GN until you pass the NCLEX and my idea is that its better to get what you want now while its available.

luv4nursing · Nov 4, 2005

If I were u I would wait to see if u pass the CPNE, then apply for GN positions. From what Ive read, It seems it takes a few months to actually graduate and take boards once u pass the CPNE. EC is great at being quick to take your money and slow at getting things processed....lol.

I know the job situation is a little different when it comes to EC bc this will determine whether u graduate. The only reason I would wait is bc I wouldnt want to mess up my chances of getting hired somewhere if I were to get hired or even just called into an interview and then have to say, well you see I failed the last portion of the program so I wont be graduating for a little longer, but I still want to work here. Im sure Id leave a lasting impression and it wouldnt be a positive one :chuckle Just for that sake I wouldnt want to count my chickens before they hatch unless I was in a traditional program and knew for a fact when I was finishing.

Best of luck on the exam, Im rooting for u! Make sure u give us a full account of your experience!

MikeyBSN · Nov 4, 2005

I would start applying now. The last day of my BSN program is in December (our graduation date is techinically Jan). So I'm looking at taking my NCLEX, hopefully, in January. I've already started applying and I have interviews set up, some places will hire new grads early. Most places let you work as a GN before you get your official lincense, unless of course you live in New Jersey :madface:

pedinurse05 · Nov 7, 2005

I take my CPNE this week. If I pass, I have been told I can apply for an authorization to test for the NCLEXRN.
I am wondering how soon I should begin looking for a job? I know the local hospital has a med surg position open for the day shift (I've decided to start with med surg to get a strong base for moving up to other things, like agency work) so I am thinking I would like to apply for this job, but should I wait until I'm licensed as an RN?

Start looking now! You can work in several states as a GN until you take your boards. I started calling places and going to nursing career events as soon as I passed the CPNE. I worked as a GN for a few months prior to taking boards. Excelsior takes some time before they get your diploma to you--and transcripts. Find out what your interests are in nursing and start looking at those facilities that can offer you a position that matches your interests/needs. How did your clinical go? Where did you take it? Hope it went smoothly and best wishes on your job search!

Missy

purplemania, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2005

Not all states have a graduate nurse category. Some states require you to be licensed before you can work. HOWEVER, I would call the HR dept of one or two hospitals, talk to the nurse recruiter and explain your situation. You are probably one of hundreds he/she has talked to about this and maybe you can learn some helpful stuff. Good luck! I would not delay. You want to get ahead of the competition for the good spots.