When to start applying for RN jobs?

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I'm currently a nursing student in an ASN program in Pennsylvania, expecting to graduate in December 2016 (YAY!!).

I'm looking for any input/advice/direction when it comes to applying for jobs.

Obviously I would like to get a job ASAP after graduation and passing NCLEX, but I wasn't sure if hospitals would even bother interviewing me before I take/pass NCLEX.

So when should I start applying for RN positions?

Also, I've looked around at different job listings at a few different hospitals and haven't found many positions open to new (graduate) nurses, aka they want at least 1 if not 2 years of experience. Are these jobs worth applying for and just hoping they are in desperate need and will hire a new nurse? Or don't waste my time and keep looking?

Last question; I know I need to do more research on PA/MD rules and regs but, anyone know off the top of their head if I am able to apply/work in MD with a PA license (temporarily of course, until I would get an MD license)? Or how I go about getting an MD license as a PA resident? Is there a certain time-frame I need to wait until I can apply for a license in MD?

Any input is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks in advance! :geek:

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Specializes in Dialysis.

You can only work in the state you have a license in as an RN. You cannot be hired as an RN otherwise. But start applying now. They will call if interested. Get your name out there now

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency.

I started applying in March, secured a job in april, graduated in May and passed NCLEX in June. We could start working as RN applicants once we graduated in Kentucky and if we failed NCLEX, our employer could choose to terminate employment or have us work as a tech until we passed, this happened with one of my coworkers, she worked as a tech and as soon as she passed on her 3rd try she resumed her RN orientation. I'd at least apply, you might get a tentative offer pending your graduation and passing NCLEX if the above isn't possible in your state. Good luck!

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Specializes in Dialysis.
I'm currently a nursing student in an ASN program in Pennsylvania, expecting to graduate in December 2016 (YAY!!).

I'm looking for any input/advice/direction when it comes to applying for jobs.

Obviously I would like to get a job ASAP after graduation and passing NCLEX, but I wasn't sure if hospitals would even bother interviewing me before I take/pass NCLEX.

So when should I start applying for RN positions?

Also, I've looked around at different job listings at a few different hospitals and haven't found many positions open to new (graduate) nurses, aka they want at least 1 if not 2 years of experience. Are these jobs worth applying for and just hoping they are in desperate need and will hire a new nurse? Or don't waste my time and keep looking?

Last question; I know I need to do more research on PA/MD rules and regs but, anyone know off the top of their head if I am able to apply/work in MD with a PA license (temporarily of course, until I would get an MD license)? Or how I go about getting an MD license as a PA resident? Is there a certain time-frame I need to wait until I can apply for a license in MD?

Any input is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks in advance! :geek:

As long as you meet criteria, go to the desired state BoN and apply for license by endorsement. Provide necessary documentation and pay the fees. You must have a license number issued from originating state, 1 day or 100 yrs, doesn't matter. Once you get original license, you usually need to get other state license to work there. Only a few have temporary status anymore. But if you're wanting to work another state, apply there and apply for original license there. You can test anywhere there is a site, location of test doesn't matter. Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

Network, network, network...best advice I can give a new grad, current student, future student, even experienced nurses. Go to nurse fairs, CE work shops, volunteer, etc. you get out of it what you put into it, plus you could even make some life-long friendships. One of the ways I volunteer is volunteering during races (running/triathlons etc.) a lot of the same people tend to volunteer for these as they are fun, and a great place to network and meet new friends.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU.

You should start looking at least three months before graduation. The first round of interviews I went to happened in February before a May graduation. Places with new grad programs tend to fill those programs up way before graduation.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

[h=2]Nursing Compact States[/h]As of November 2015, the following states are part of the multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact:

  • Idaho
  • Utah
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • New Mexico
  • Texas
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota
  • Nebraska
  • Iowa
  • Missouri
  • Arkansas
  • Wisconsin
  • Mississippi
  • Kentucky
  • Tennessee
  • South Carolina
  • North Carolina
  • Virginia
  • Maryland
  • Delaware
  • Rhode Island
  • New Hampshire
  • Maine
  • Montana

[h=2]A few quick facts about the multi-state nursing license:[/h]

  • Your primary state of residence must be one of the 25 compact states. Primary residence is determined by where you file your tax return.
  • Nurses must still obtain licenses to qualify for travel nursing jobs in non-compact states.
  • RNs, LPNs and LVNs are included in the compact. Advanced practice nurses are not.
  • A nurse whose primary state of residence is a compact state can apply for a multistate license, which allows nurses to practice in all nursing compact states.
  • Nurses who live in non-compact states but practice in a compact state will be issued a nursing license valid only in that member state (single state license). The nurse will not be granted the "multistate privilege to practice" in other compact states.
  • Nurses are responsible for complying with the provisions of the Nurse Practice Act in all states where they practice.
  • Find more information about the Nurse Licensure Compact on the NCSBN website.
  • To learn more about the licensing process and working in compact and non-compact states, contact a recruiter with one of our TravelNursing.com staffing partners.

Just posting this in case anyone was wondering if their state was a compact state.

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.
Last question; I know I need to do more research on PA/MD rules and regs but, anyone know off the top of their head if I am able to apply/work in MD with a PA license (temporarily of course, until I would get an MD license)? Or how I go about getting an MD license as a PA resident? Is there a certain time-frame I need to wait until I can apply for a license in MD?

No, you cannot work in MD with a PA license. PA is not a compact state but MD is. If you don't desire to work in PA at all, then you should take your NCLEX for MD licencure. ESPECIALLY since the MD BON is a joke.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

Applying for a job now is not a good idea. When I have open job positions, I'm not going to hire someone and hold that position open for possibly almost a year- you graduate in December and have to pass your boards. 2-3 months prior to gradation is a more ideal time to apply, and you need to apply to new grad or nurse residency slots, not slots that require experience.

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Thank you!

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