When to start the new grad job hunt

Published

Hi everyone, I will be graduating with my ADN RN in May 2014. I was just wondering when new grads typically start applying for jobs? Is January too early?! I want to get on at a hospital and know it will take at least a month to process my application and hear back.... I'm also planning on relocating and wanted to line up interviews over Spring Break. Is this a good plan or am I jumping the gun?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Anyone??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, trauma.

Some hospitals only post residencies at certain times. You will have to do your due diligence and research the hospitals you are interested in and when they are looking for new grads.

Some places don't have formal residencies and allow you to apply for any position.

Some places want licensure before you apply.

Call around, talk to HR.

Also depending on your state board of nursing it may take 1-3 months to get scheduled for and take NCLEX after you graduate from your program. January may or may not be too early depending on your location.

My program graduated in June, people applied in July because the new grad programs in this area are January, August, or December ONLY.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks! I'm looking to relocate back to the Kansas City area... I've lived there before and worked as an aid in a university hospital (my top choice for a job!). I definitely have my top picks for hospitals and know the city fairly well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know of several hospitals that have a new grad mentorship program, and that's definitely where I want to be! I will def be calling around and perusing websites!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.

I started applying for jobs of January of my senior year of college. In my area, if you don't have your new grad job secured by graduation you're SOL because all the positions will be long gone by the time you pass NCLEX.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, trauma.
I started applying for jobs of January of my senior year of college. In my area if you don't have your new grad job secured by graduation you're SOL because all the positions will be long gone by the time you pass NCLEX.[/quote']

How crazy that it varies so greatly across the country. Here it would be a deterrent if they had to interview you before you had scheduled NCLEX.

It really all depends on geographic location.

I graduated in June, nclex in july, and started applying in August. I had a PT job so I didn't feel rushed. I now have multiple offers with start dates as early as Nov 1st, and all at prestigious hospitals. Now I'm left with a decision of which unit and which state I want to move to. All are offering me a 100% tuition reimbursement for my masters. Obviously waiting didn't hurt me.

In your desired area, calling it talking to people who work thereto gather info is going to be your best bet. Be sure to NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK while you are in clinicals. Every interaction is a job interview.

A user on this site found her job while taking her daughter to the dentist and chatting with another woman...turns out she was the daughter of a local hospital CEO who put in a good word for her.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I applied to the new grad program when it opened at a rival hospital but that opened up in the beginning of September and they haven't hired or interviewed anyone yet. My job just encouraged and interviewed me. They want to find out if they can start my training as an extern, switch me to an intern, then a nurse after I am licensed.

A well known children's hospital manager talked to us at a convention and said to apply in Jan. if you are graduating in May. However, most of the apps I put in were closed out as not being qualified.

Maybe it is regional. In my area, most people apply for jobs after they graduate and before they pass the test. I know a lot of people get confirmed jobs that way.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion