When are YOU going to apply for a RN job?

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2004

I work with new grads. My advice is to start interviews 2-3 months ahead of graduation. HR will put you on some list then notify you prior to start date. Each facility has their own rules, but we hire grads way before graduation because we have a GN orientation and need some idea on how many will be there, what unit assignment they have, etc. ALSO, when you do your interviews be sure to make a list of questions to ask. You will then be able to compare facilities for the best "fit". Having said that, I will add that we continue to interview and hire right up to the last minute.

Altra, BSN, RN · Jun 5, 2004

I will graduate (God willing ... :chuckle ) next June. I plan to start seriously looking in Feb. - March, as I've heard this is typical. Also, since we graduate a little later than many schools which finish in May, I want to make sure that doesn't work against me.

I think this may vary somewhat from state to state, and from facility to facility, but what I'm hearing is that you can't work as a GN until you have your temporary practice permit, and depending on just how slow your state beauracracy is that can take up to 6 weeks. You then work a limited schedule as a GN until you pass NCLEX and are licensed. So I'm figuring that it will be next fall until I'm really settled in to a full-time position.

shyviolet78, LPN, LVN · Jun 6, 2004

I graduate in May and I was doing some research on hopitals in my area the other day. I was told by the nurse recruiters at the hospitals to apply between late January and early March.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Jun 6, 2004

I'll be starting the process when I begin my final semester which will be August 2005. If I choose to stay where I'm working as PCT, there may be no application process at all.