When to Start Applying for Jobs?

[starmickey03, MSN, RN]

I graduate in June and plan on taking my NCLEX that same month. So my question is, how soon is too soon to start applying for jobs? I would assume that most employers want you to have a license before they even consider giving you an interview.

So when should I start applying?

[Juwon]

in my neck of the woods, employers want you to have that license in your hand, or your name on the state department of professional regulations site which states your license number. they want proof pretty much. not sure if it is different in other areas........all the nurses in my family started looking for jobs after their license arrived in the mail. Buy try to make connections asap.

[hopefulwhoop]

You don't necessarily have to have license to be interviewed. Many of the students in my class were hired before we even graduated. So, based on that, I would begin applying in April.

[stephie_love]

I started applying in March before I graduated in May. My patience was tested, as I didn't hear back from anyone until the first week in July...but when it rained, it poured! I had 3 interviews and job offers from each in once week! All of your hard work will pay off...just be patient, and start early :)

[Jules A, MSN]

We interviewed during the winter break in January so most of us had positions lined up long before graduating. Don't forget the importance of making contacts on the units where you do clinicals. Good luck!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'd start in January. Don't be too discouraged if employers won't even look at your application until after you pass the NCLEX because it is an employers' job market now. But at least you can start making contacts, getting information and making your presence known to them.

[SweetseRN]

The Hospitals in my area hire you as a GN before passing NCLEX. So my official answer is start applying in March. And don't just apply, be super proactive and get the names of hiring managers and call them. Trust me, it works! Good luck, you are in the home stretch!

[Sun_danc3rRN]

I graduated at the beginning of a May semester, but I had already secured a job that I started while finishing the last of my last semester. I applied in March, interviewed at the end of March, started hospital orientation mid April, took NCLEX end of April, started Nursing orientation May 5th. My hire was contingent on my passing my NCLEX. If I hadnt passed I would have waited to do nursing orientation until I passed, with in a certain time frame that the hospital gave me, which was like 3 months I guess. It all worked out. I actually had my NCLEX done, job I had already been attending, and was an RN 3 days prior to my actual graduation date.(because my school certified grades for the board for half of my class that went to summer semester so we were done a little earlier than the other half)

[starmickey03, MSN, RN]

Thanks everybody!

Not sure of our actual graduation date yet, but I definitely will start applying no later than March.

Thanks for the responses!