I was offered a job while in clinical about 6 months before I graduated. Worked as a student nurse then gn. So remember shine in your clinicals directors and managers are watching. I didn’t have to apply for my position they approached me.
Some people start applying the last semester of their school.
I started applying about about 3 months prior to graduation.
As you go through the nursing program you should be looking fir a job from day one. First figure out what type of nurse you want to be, then figure out what department or specialty works for you, and really self evaluate what a good fit would be. Then as you do clinics, make connections, ask questions, imagine you doing this every shift. Then 6 months prior start putting out interest in that field at numerous places, do not put all your eggs in one basket. Then 2 months before start applying. Always apply for your interim license too, that way if you do not want a break in the momentum you can begin orientation right away. I was hired by the ICU one week before graduation and I’m so incredibly happy with how that turned out.
Now. Do it now and work the bare minimum hours. This gets your foot in the door and unlimited access to potential preceptors. You can determine who you want to model your career after and who you NEED to avoid for whatever reason. You can also determine if the unit you are working in will be where you want to begin your nursing career. Good luck.
Probably around 6 months. It is best to apply to a facility that you have worked in as a student because you will have preceptors who can recommend you.
You should have started as soon as you were accepted into your Nursing degree program; but, it's never too late to begin. Just like a search for real estate, a job search begins with deciding on the general location you will want to begin your professional career. Once you've decided that, you need to know what that State's Board of Nursing requires to obtain a license besides a copy of your diploma, and be ready to immediately comply. Contact that Board and find out how long it's taking them to process applications given the impact of the pandemic on their staffing and budget. Then determine your acceptable commuting time/distance. Locate every employer (hospital, clinic and/or doctor's office) within that area and do your research to determine which are your preferred places (up to 10) to work. Fact: it is never too early to contact their HR Departments by telephone (if you're not now living in that area) or by simply walking into their facility appropriately dressed and request an informational interview (usually 15-30 minutes); so you can meet and impress them with your knowledge of their organization and your determination to be the best new-graduate hire they will ever make. In that regard, impress them by asking where their greatest staffing needs are, what their plans are for growth (expansion & development), and what their compensation benefits and growth opportunities are for long-term employees.
Remember 3 very important things:
1.
You are NEVER "just" a student nurse, a new graduate or a RN.
2.
You are a Licensed Professional in the making, and deserve the same respect as any other such student.
3.
Real RNs are ALWAYS prepared for the moment, and love in-person, face-to-face interactions whenever possible with all people in all circumstances; not just with patients in need.
So: get ready, get set and begin NOW to beat out your competition (other new graduates) to your #1 job choice; because most will limit their current learning opportunities to their textbooks, classrooms & clinicals.
every employer (hospital, clinic, doctors
office) within that area and
