When should I start applying for jobs?

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I'm graduating from my LPN program December 17th, and my instructor said the earliest we'll be able to take our boards is mid to late January because it takes the state that long to process our paperwork and give us PTT. I plan on taking my boards in February since I'm moving in January and that's not really waiting (my instructor also stresses not waiting more than 3 months to take your boards, and the sooner the better).

I'll be in my new apartment January 15th, but because I'm moving back to my hometown, I won't really need any time to acclimate and even if the apartment isn't unpacked or whatever, it's all good.

When should I start sending my resume out and applying for jobs? I have a list of places where I'd like to work (either of the peds offices, family medicine office, urgent care or Planned Parenthood). I just finished my first week of school for this semester, so I know it's early, but I want to make sure I don't wait too long.

Like I said, I plan on taking my boards as early in February as I can, and hoping that I can get hired as a GPN and then when I pass obviously be an LPN.

When should I start applying, or at least sending cover letters/resumes out?

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Specializes in LTC.

I graduated on a Friday and started putting in applications the following Monday. I was employed before the end of the week. I think. It's been awhile lol.

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I graduated on a Friday and started putting in applications the following Monday. I was employed before the end of the week. I think. It's been awhile lol.

When do you take the nclex?

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When do you take the nclex?

I can't take it until the end of January at the earliest. But I would like to have some options before I take it.

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Specializes in LTC.

I was putting in apps the month before I graduated.

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Specializes in LTC.
When do you take the nclex?

I graduated in July '07, didn't test until November '07. :bag: Long story short, it was about money. That aside, my facility was gracious enough to let me work as a CNA, then med aide (had to test for that, they paid for it) until I consolidated my feces and finally sat for NCLEX. They were also gracious enough to pay me new nurse wages for that entire period of time.

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I'm in the same boat as you; I graduate mid-December and then the BoN (Idaho) is closed for two full weeks for Christmas, causing a delay for test dates. Our instructor said that she is getting our paperwork together ahead of time (mid-November) so that we might be able to get our ATT right after graduation and be able to take NCLEX early January. I'm interested to see what others post on this thread in regards to applying for jobs (I've already been scoping out potential employers) and I think I'll start applying in early December.

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P.S. good luck in your last semester :)

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I graduated Aug 3,2015 and was hired the next week as a GPN making 18.00 an hour I take my boards on Oct 6 but I got hired some where else for 21.65 I can't start there still after my boards but I got paid for the training...and after I take my board the 18.00 and hour job is gonna go up in pay and I am getting good experience

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

For me, I graduated the end of February, took the NCLEX about a month later and then applied to jobs. I was working as a CNA in one facility and hoping there would be nurse openings there when I graduated, but there wasn't. It took me about two weeks to find a job. Interviewed at one place which I didn't get. Applied to a pediatric home health agency and a nursing home. They both wanted me, but after weighing the pros and cons for me, I went with the nursing home. I ended up starting there the same day that was my last date at my CNA job.

I guess it kind of depends on the area you live. My state does not have the graduate nurse thing. I probably could have applied to places earlier and worked as a CNA until I got my license, but chose not to go that route.

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