How Soon Can You Start Your Nursing Job?
Assume you are not going to be working as a GN. If you graduate in May, You can take the NCLEX as early as May, but probably June or early July for the exam date. Then, your job will probably start another two to three weeks after passing. Have the savings ready for a month or two without working.
1) Nursing Graduation (May):
Upon completing your nursing program, you will graduate in May, marking the first milestone in your journey. Graduating nursing school is about a week process to walk for graduation and receive your official transcripts. You do need your official transcripts before you can even sign up for the NCLEX. So try to not schedule your NCLEX only a week after graduating from nursing school.
2) NCLEX Preparation and Study (May-June):
It is recommended to allocate a few weeks to prepare for the NCLEX. This study period will help you consolidate your knowledge and increase your chances of success in the exam.
3) NCLEX Examination (June):
The actual NCLEX exam is typically scheduled in June, although it may also occur in early July, depending on availability. One month after graduating is typical. Expect a 2-6 week approximate NCLEX date from graduating.
4) Nursing Job (July):
Assuming you pass the NCLEX, your job as a registered nurse will likely commence two to three weeks after receiving your license. This period allows for the necessary paperwork, onboarding procedures, and orientation to the new workplace.
This schedule will not be for everyone as some people may take the NCLEX immediately. If you do not plan on taking the NCLEX right away, plan on giving yourself a few study weeks and expect this schedule laid out. It is best to always assume the worst-case scenario and be surprised by the best.
Expect a two-month process
When Can You Start a Job After Nursing School?
It is important to note that the timeline provided above serves as a general guide and may not be applicable to everyone. Some individuals may choose to take the NCLEX immediately after graduation, thereby shortening the overall process. However, it is wise to plan for a longer duration to account for unforeseen circumstances or personal study preferences. By anticipating the worst-case scenario, you can avoid unnecessary financial strain and ensure a smoother transition into your nursing career.
As broke nursing students, graduating is finally that light at the end of the tunnel. Just expect your savings and credit cards to get you another two months after graduation so you do not get yourself into trouble. Expect a two-month process of finally starting to get paid after graduating. Expect a two-month process and be surprised by a month's process. If you graduate in May, you will probably take your NCLEX in June or July. I feel like I imagined a much quicker process of being able to finally start working once graduating nursing school. Well, my finances ran pretty much dry by the time I finally started my job. I do not recommend doing that, so please plan for a longer process than I did.
Starting Your Nursing Job
Planning your resources, savings, and realistic expectations of when you can finally start your first nursing job is important. Some students might be working and saving their money so they can properly plan on studying and quitting their job. Some people may have children and need to plan. I’m going to give you a realistic expectation of when you can finally start working and earning money after graduating from nursing school.
Working as a Graduate Nurse
Some states allow new grads to work without passing the NCLEX first. This is called a GN. Not all hospitals allow this so it is best to save and plan without being able to work without passing the NCLEX first.
A GN can typically start working right away at some hospitals. The stipulations to working as a GN are that you are not licensed yet and that your job is usually held for you assuming you pass the NCLEX. If you fail the NCLEX while working as a GN, you will lose your current position because it is illegal to work as a GN once you fail the NCLEX. You must then pass the NCLEX so you can start working as an RN.
What Do You Need to Apply for a Nursing Job?
There are a few things you will need to have in order to apply for a nursing job while you are still in school. The process is a little bit different from when you are in school versus when you already graduate. While you are in school, you do not have an RN license or official transcripts to share.
Nursing Resume and Cover Letter
The very first thing you need in order to apply for a job is an organized nursing resume. These need to have all working experience and any certificates you have acquired on them. This includes your BLS or a CNA license. All of these hours and experience are very important when trying to leverage your very first nursing job.
It is also important to include a nice nursing cover letter on your resume when applying for your first job because it looks clean and professional. Learn how to create a nice and clean nursing cover letter so there isn't too much fluff.
Include: Personal Information, your goal with the resume (get a job or externship), work experience, school clubs or school awards (from college), licenses or certificates, and references. Keep your resume under 1 page there is no reason it should be several.
Letter of Reccomendation
If you have a letter of recommendation from a coworker or a preceptor from nursing school that would be a very nice addition to have on a job application since it is more rare to see. This can be from professors, preceptors, nurses, doctors, or anyone that had significance in your life and can vouch for your working abilities.
Nursing Job Documents
Have your nursing job documents ready to go and already in an important folder section. These documents are going to be needed over and over again for all of your nursing careers. These documents are going to include:
All vaccinations or exemptions on file
Current TB timer or test
Driver's license both front and back
Resume and cover letter
BLS, first aid, CNA, etc certificates and licenses
Degree copy if you graduated
Copy of active nursing license if you graduated
Drug screening test if available
