When to start applying?

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My official graduation date is December 14, 2012. I'll hopefully take the NCLEX in January. I have heard some people tell you to start early, some say wait until you graduate, and others says wait until you are an official RN. Obviously new grad internships have certain application periods and deadlines, but for hospitals that do not have that, when is it acceptable to begin applying? I am in Ohio.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.

now.

seriously. or at least get your cover letter and resume polished up. ready to rapid fire and send out for all the job apps!

good luck and congrats :D

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Specializes in LTC and School Health.

Start making connections now. I would advise to start applying 6 months prior to graduation. Start calling hospitals in your area to see when internships are going to open up.

I graduated 12/2011 and was offered a job March 2012 for a job I applied for in November 2011.

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Begin calling hospitals in your vicinity now. Call HR, and suggest your interest in their hospital, the date of your graduation, expected NCLEX date and ask about their hiring process. As well as when to apply--do they accept interim permits, or strictly a license, or if you can apply once you graduate? I think it varies from hospital to hospital, so knowing the hospital's hiring process is key! As well as calling early on, shows you are genuinely interested in their facility! :) GOOD LUCK.

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Most residencies for December graduate deadline is around Sep-Nov. Start getting your resume, cover letter, and requirements for the residencies you want to apply to, by Sep-Nov, you can just put in your application because some of them only open for few days.

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Specializes in Pedi.

Do not wait until you graduate or until you take NCLEX. By that time, all the new grad spots will be filled. Start now. When I was a new grad, I started applying to jobs in January as a May grad knowing that I didn't want to begin working until September. I had my job secured by mid-March, 6 months before said job began.

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Specializes in Peds Med/Surg; Peds Skilled Nursing.

i was set to graduate august 2006 i interviewed in Feb 2006 had my offers in March 2006. My start date was in September. I started with my Temp Practice permit and i took the NCLEX in october. I agree with the others start early and get your resume and cover letter together...good luck:)

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

There are a few places that won't look at you until you have passed NCLEX but most of the time if you wait until you graduate/pass NCLEX you missed the boat entirely.

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