When did you start applying?

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

Hi all!

I'm 2 weeks away from starting my final year in nursing school. Already got the date of graduation - June 15, 2011!:yeah:

In addition to working as a substitute teacher, I also work as a nursing assistant at the hospital associated with my school. I recently got a transfer/promotion to ER tech, which I'll start next month - can't wait:D

I've been working at the hospital the entire time I've been in school - it's a community hospital that's pretty well-known and it would be a good foundation (atleast in my mind) for my nursing career. No, it's not one of the top hospitals in the state..and it definitely could use improvements but generally, I've found the nursing office very friendly, the people nice and somewhat happy to be there. I'm pretty confident about eventually getting a job there after graduation either on my current floor, the ER (the manager there has been known to hire new grads and she has hired me to the ER) or another floor where I am known to the manager. However, I'm also interested in knowing what's "out there".

A friend of mine left my state to go to Texas (San Antonio) and found 2 jobs there within a 8 month period! I heard about the huge hospital systems there and I loved Texas when I went to visit. I'm also single, with no kids and would LOVE a new start somewhere..anywhere so I'm definitely open to that.

SOOO..finally..my question is..whether in your state or in another state - when did you start applying? In January, when you graduated in May/June? September - when you graduated in December? OR did you start 2 semesters before? LOL! The way things are..I feel like I need to apply now! Also, let me know if you were hired.

Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you!

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Specializes in Oncology, Hospice, Med-Surg.

Personally, I'd ask the recruiters, because where my friend got a job they wouldn't even glance at your application unless it was within three months of graduating but the hospitals where we went to college wanted applications in 6 months before. However, where my friends works the market is much tighter. If you ask a HR person or nurse recruiter for your place of interest they'll let you know.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

We applied and most secured offers during the break before we started our final semester.

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Specializes in NICU.

I started applying two months prior to graduation, but I didn't get a single call until I passed the NCLEX and was issued a license.

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Don't get discouraged if nothing bites if you apply early. Don't start your "# of months unemployed counter" until you get your license because as stated already, HR won't look at you if you have a "taking NCLEX xx month" written down since you have a statistical 10% of failing anyways.

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I agree with asking the recruiters...here in NY no one seems to be getting offers until passing the NCLEX...but that could all change by next year...good luck!!!

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Every hospital system is different...they start processing May new grad applications for the internship slots in March, which is when I applied.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I started applying about 1.5m before graduating. I had interviews about 3 weeks out, and offered a job three days before graduation :)I graduated on July 29th, started on Monday the 9th of August (was going to start the 2nd but was on vacation!) and take my boards August 25th!

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

Thanks everyone for your response! My biggest question is if we can rightfully work until we pass our boards..how is ANYONE applying before taking the boards..especially months before (while still in school)? Is it even a waste of time to apply during my school break, right before my last semester?

Maybe I will contact the recruiters at all the hospitals I'm interested in. I also plan on applying to internships and jobs specificaly for new grads.

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Specializes in NICU.

Check your states BON regulations, but in many states you can work as a graduate nurse. A temporary 'GN' permit is granted for a limited period (generally about 90 days) during which you can work. If you fail your NCLEX, it is void, and if you don't take the NCLEX within that period it is void. Not all states permit GN's, however.

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Thanks everyone for your response! My biggest question is if we can rightfully work until we pass our boards..how is ANYONE applying before taking the boards..especially months before (while still in school)? Is it even a waste of time to apply during my school break, right before my last semester?

Maybe I will contact the recruiters at all the hospitals I'm interested in. I also plan on applying to internships and jobs specificaly for new grads.

It depends on the state in which you live. My state allows GNs to practice for 90 days following graduation.

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

I live in NJ and I don't think we have GNs here but I'll check it out. Thanks!!

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