When to look for employment???

KatieBell · Sep 23, 2005

I think you could probably start to call places now and ask them how they would you to proceed. I know I am moving in January, and I have already started to inquire about positions, and have received a surprisingly positive response).

I'd call and explain about being a upcoming grad RN, and that you would like ICU, and see what they say, they might even offer you an opportunity to come and shadow the department you want to work in. Lots of the bigger places have new grad orientations in July and January.

Most places won't know of exact available positions this early, but if you are interested in ICU and they have several, you will be in their mind for any new grad positions they might have. I started to do applications in April, I graduated in May (but had to wait for NCLEX until July....)

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation :balloons: Best wishe with your career :)

oldnurse newnurse · Sep 24, 2005

Thanks for the support

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2005

Now. I made calls, interviewed and accepted an offer back in August for December graduation. Thought I should get an early start since I'm moving out of state. Just as was stated above, make some calls to recruiters and just chat. Online applications don't generally get you where you want to go and it may be too early to fill an advertised position.

brina · Sep 24, 2005

Hi! I will also be a BSN grad on Dec. 16th. I would start calling and applying now. As a matter of fact I have. I have had one interview that led to a job offer in the NICU that very day. I was so stunned! I didn't expect to be offered the job right away. It is not my 1st choice in hospitals so I am going to wait awhile and see if my 1st choice calls me for an interview. Good luck! The hospitals definitely will hire this early for December grads. However, a nursing recruiter said that some hospitals want to wait until October to hire December grads because we won't be able to work until Jan. and they don't like holding the positions too long.

Brina

LauraLou · Sep 25, 2005

If you want to work in the ICU, start calling now. Those jobs go fast, so you want to be one of the first to apply. I am also graduating in December and I already have a job offer. Good luck!!

oldnurse newnurse · Sep 26, 2005

I am so anxious and excited about graduating and I hope to get the job I want at the hospital I want, so you all suggest I start looking now, then I will, :lol2:

thanks for the advice.

UTRN2005 · Sep 26, 2005

I too am interested in an ICU spot. I called 6 hospitals that I'm interested and everyone told me to wait until October to apply. Some did not even know which of their system hospitals would be offering internships in which units. My school is having a job hunting/resume workshop on Wednesday of this week so I'm going to try and get all my apps out this coming weekend. It's a little stressful with the tests and projects and papers but my goal is to have them mailed/submitted by this weekend.

oldnurse newnurse · Sep 26, 2005

I too am interested in an ICU spot. I called 6 hospitals that I'm interested and everyone told me to wait until October to apply. Some did not even know which of their system hospitals would be offering internships in which units. My school is having a job hunting/resume workshop on Wednesday of this week so I'm going to try and get all my apps out this coming weekend. It's a little stressful with the tests and projects and papers but my goal is to have them mailed/submitted by this weekend.

So did the places that told you to apply in October say they have a New Grad. program or will you start out as a CNA I don,t want to work as a CNA because I am already a LPN and I make way more than a CNA.

We also have to attend a Job fair in November, but I've heard OP write that they sign contracts with the hospitals they have chosen to work with. But I don't know where that is. Do you?

UTRN2005 · Sep 26, 2005

I'm only looking at hospitals with strong new grad ICU programs. I've chosen not to work during school and as such I feel the only way I would survive in ICU would be to go through a new grad program. I have taken an elective in ICU but there's so much to learn I really feel that an internship/new grad program would be the way to go.

oldnurse newnurse · Sep 26, 2005

I'm only looking at hospitals with strong new grad ICU programs. I've chosen not to work during school and as such I feel the only way I would survive in ICU would be to go through a new grad program. I have taken an elective in ICU but there's so much to learn I really feel that an internship/new grad program would be the way to go.

I too have taken an nursing elective in critical care. I hope where ever I work that, they have at least a 6 month orientation.

Well Good Luck!!