When to start the first job

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Well here's the senario. I graduate in May with my ADN. Yeah!! The road has been challenging, as most know. Sadly, my mother was diagnosed with Breast cancer and passed away during my first year. My husband and I chose to get married so she could be there for the ceremony. My husband also just had major surgery this past x-mas. I did not take any time off at all, because my mom biggest wish was to for me to graduate and I adored her and my husband has supported this completely. I feel blessed even through all this turmoil. However, I am really needing a break and was thinking about taking 8-10 weeks off before going to work. so I can breathe and grieve. What do you think?

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Specializes in Emergency.

When you apply for jobs they ask you for your start date. It is never too early to start sending in applications, it can take weeks to months from the interview process to starting on the floor. If you feel that you really need the time completely off then take it! You definitely deserve it.

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I just graduated in December 2009, and took kaplan course in January with many of my classmates. I was one of the first ones to take the NCLEX in early February. After I found out that I passed a week later, I immediately started applying online to local hospitals. After nearly a month since I submitted my applications, I finally started hearing from the hospital HR Dept. So even though I had no intentions of taking a break after graduation, I've been on a nice break for a couple of weeks now. Very nice. LOL. So I think it's a great idea that you want to take a break, it's very understandable, and you probably need it too. But you probably wouldn't have to try to take a break--you might end up having that break anyways like I did. But like Eldrad said, It is never too early to start sending in applications. Unless it would be a burden on you, I would recommend start applying early on.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Since the market isn't as strong as it used to be in most places I'd consider applying before your last semester of school and start whenever they are lining up new grad orientations. You definitely deserve to take some time off and grieve but I'd hate to see that delicate window of opportunity pass you by if you need your income. I think most places offer time off after about 6 months.

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I have never been one not to work, so this is a foriegn concept. However my husband and I have both noticed that every week it gets a little bit harder to hold my emotions in check so I can focus. Fortunately we have been living carefully on my husband's job. I was also able to qualify for various grants and scholarships therefore greatly reducung the level of debt, so finances aren't a HUGE problem. Also there are a fair amount of jobs available around here. I am applying to one hospital that I am the most interested in, they are recruiting, have a great benefit package made for students and a wonderful reputation. They also knew my mother personally, she was a physician and patient.

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Specializes in Clinicals.

I say take the time off. You have worked so hard and you certainly deserve it. :)

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Secure the job first and then tell them that you can start X date. I started 1.5 months after I got the job offer. Don't wait cause all the jobs will be gone. I am sure there will be alot of competition for the jobs in your area.

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I agree with the idea of getting a job first and telling them you can't start until X date. Take the time off after you know you've got something definite lined up.

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, Nursery.

I agree with the getting the job first and then taking the break. As difficult as it is to get a job these days, I sure wouldn't wait 8-10 weeks to start the application process! Good luck to you!!

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.
I have never been one not to work, so this is a foriegn concept. However my husband and I have both noticed that every week it gets a little bit harder to hold my emotions in check so I can focus. Fortunately we have been living carefully on my husband's job. I was also able to qualify for various grants and scholarships therefore greatly reducung the level of debt, so finances aren't a HUGE problem. Also there are a fair amount of jobs available around here. I am applying to one hospital that I am the most interested in, they are recruiting, have a great benefit package made for students and a wonderful reputation. They also knew my mother personally, she was a physician and patient.

Well, I may be the voice of dissent here, but I would take some time first. There will still be time to apply for jobs. Perhaps a 4 week break would be a good thing. Then you can start applying after that.

Last year, I took a 12-month break from nursing. Now, I have 32 years experience, so it might be a little different. But my point is, I was under such stress and so depressed that I had become a danger to myself and everyone around me. It took a very long time to recover from that. I used that time to do some therapy, take a class, volunteer at a food bank--just about anything other than nursing. Then, when I wasn't even looking a new job just dropped into my lap. A friend had a lead, I sent my resume, and the rest is history.

That's a long way of saying, you have to take care of yourself. You have taken care of everyone else for a very long time and it's your turn now. Don't feel bad about taking a few weeks for yourself. There's no prize for the graduate who gets hired first. Take care of yourself and get back on an even keel. Not only will you be ready to work at the end of it, but you'll be refreshed and ready to work. As a new grad, your enthusiasm and optimism are your ace in the hole.

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