When should you start looking into a job as a new grad?

[szccdw]

How early is to early? I don't want the recruiters to look at me and say "hey you still have two semesters left let's not jump the gun here". I have a few hospitals I'm interested in speaking with and will be in the state I am wanting to relocate to next month. I didn't know if I should try and call some of them and set up appointments to speak with them about their facility, etc. So many of my friends that have already graduated didn't even start looking for a position until after that had graduated and passed their NCLEX. Input please????

[youngRNstudent]

This isn't directly related to your question, but as one who learned the hard way, keep in mind that the hospitals with the biggest ads and bonuses are many times the most desperate for nurses, and not good places to work. The ones that don't advertise are the ones to talk to first. And no, you can't start too early. If you are interested in a hospital, show up on the evening shift and approach nurses and ask what they think about working there.

I definately agree with you. There is a reason why they are offering huge sign on bonuses (b/c the work environment sucks!) I have looked into 3 hospitals with sign on bonuses, and instead chose the one w/o a bonus...

[lovinghands]

If you are interested in a hospital, show up on the evening shift and approach nurses and ask what they think about working there.

I work evening shift - I'm not sure how I would react to someone approaching me out of the blue asking questions about whether I liked my job. They'd have to catch me in the parking lot as I work on a locked unit - so I'd probably run! :rotfl: