When did you start applying for positions?

Hi everyone :)

I wasn't sure where to stick this, so general it is.

I have one semester left of the bridge program, and God willing, I will make it through *fingers and toes crossed*

I've been told I should start applying for GN positions in January when I begin my last semester, but, I've also been told not to start applying until I actually graduate (both of these suggestions were given by different clinical instructors).

When I got my LPN, I was already an aide at a LTC facility, so it was a natural jump to GPN, then LPN.

I am hoping to get into an L&D residency program at one of the local systems, but I'm feeling uncertain about when to start the process. None of the actual residency applications specify when they want these applications to be submitted.

What did you all do? Did you apply while in your last semester, or did you wait until you graduated?

Any guidance is greatly appreciated!