When do I start looking?

[LisaG21]

Hi Guys I have a question.

When do I start to look for a job and start applying. Should I becomce a GN or wait till I pass my boards? Someone said it is better to wait till you are an RN you get paid more. anyway I graduate in may and didn' tknow when I start doing all of this stuff.

Thanks

[Blackcat99]

I would start looking for a job after you graduate from nursing school. I think the job experience is very helpful to a new graduate. Good luck. :)

[zambezi, BSN, RN]

I personally would start putting my feelers out about two semesters before I graduated...start solidifying a position your final term of school...Then when you graduate you are hired...Most hosptials have GN orientation programs that start shortly after graduation...

[HappyNurse2005, RN]

Contact your local hospitals now. I am also graduating in May, and have already committed to working at a particular hospital system in town. Which unit is still up in the air, as i have 4 that I would be interested in. Anyways, this hospital advertises on its website that it is taking applications NOW from RN students graduating this spring. Check on your local hospitals, email recruiters, see what is out there.

good luck!

[USA987, MSN, RN, NP]

Start now. I graduated in June 2003. I sent out resumes in February and had a job lined up by April. Most floors can only take on so many new grads at a time, so now is the time to get your name out there!!!!

Good luck!

[ClimbingNurse]

I will also graduate in May. I've already been in contact with one hospital and plan to fly out there in March (spring break) to interview. I should have a job lined up by end of March at the latest. About a quarter of my classmates already have jobs.

I got a (non-nursing) summer job to tide me over until all the paperwork and test-taking has been straightened out. I'll start work in September.

(My summer job basically involves me getting paid to fly all over the country and go rock climbing and backpacking.)