"old" new grad

Nurses New Nurse

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I've been out of school for two years now, and for a number of reasons didn't take my NCLEX until about a month ago. Amazingly enough, I passed! I was so excited to finally get that out of the way. The thing is, I've been reading posts on this site about how it is near impossible to get a job as an "old" new grad. I am so disheartened.

A little more background: I live in Hawaii and work as a critical care tech in a hospital that does have a new grad program, but only hires in-house. Most all of the hires are "old" new grads that have been working as aides or techs. So, basically, if you are not able to get in to the new program right away (most don't), and you give up and decide to move away to pursue job opportunities, you've already been out of school for quite a while. Some people have had to wait for YEARS to get into our new grad program, or similar programs at other hospitals.

That being said, I have decided to look into opportunities elsewhere, mostly on the west coast so I won't be too far from home. I'm planning on applying for endorsement in Washington, California, and Nevada, where the population of people from Hawaii is the highest. I guess what I'm looking for is a little validation that it's not entirely impossible to get hired as an "old" new grad in these states. Will my experience as a critical care tech help at all? Am I wasting my money (it'll probably be around $500 or more for all three states)? Should I just stay where I am, in a state where I feel it is the most difficult to get into a new grad program?

If anybody has any experience with getting hired as an "old" new grad, I would love to hear from you. I would love to hear any advice at all! Thanks for taking the time to read my post. :)

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Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.

I'd be willing to bet California is a long shot for you. Their "new" new grads can't even find jobs. Have you looked into refresher courses to make your resume more appealing?

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Yeah, I heard it's pretty terrible in California (and I actually prefer not to live there anyway, but it is the closest to Hawaii). However, I really don't think it can be worse than Hawaii, which basically has no "new" grad programs. I mean, we call it new grad, but if you have to work 6 months plus (seriously, some people have been waiting for over 3 years) as an aide/tech first, you're really not a new grad anymore. I do take CE course periodically to keep myself up to date and educate myself as much as possible.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

There's a post I made about my friend who is an "old" new grad not being able to get a job, we live in TX. I wish you luck wherever you end up going.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Yes, CA does suck. My hospital rejects as many internal applicants for the new grad program as it accepts.

Major cities have enough new grads to deal with. I would suggest looking at smaller/more rural areas within the states that you mentioned. The eastern parts of those states, well away from the coast and major areas, may be more forgiving.

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I actually prefer rural areas, so this works in my favor, thanks!

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There's a post I made about my friend who is an "old" new grad not being able to get a job, we live in TX. I wish you luck wherever you end up going.

Was that the one that gave up the new grad job to have elective surgery? :eek:

I'm hoping the critical care tech experience helps a little (I'm great at interpreting EKGs), but I'm not sure.

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Hey, I just moved from Florida to North Dakota. I was an 1 year old grad with an ASN. The opportunities up here are endless because of the oil boom and the fact (let's face it) that this isn't the most comfortable place to live. However, they hire new grads to all departments except the ER and the people up here are super friendly. If you are considering Washington why not go a few states over? The longer you wait the harder it is! Good luck to you :)

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Was that the one that gave up the new grad job to have elective surgery? :eek:

I'm hoping the critical care tech experience helps a little (I'm great at interpreting EKGs), but I'm not sure.

Yep, same one. I'm sure that will help. She has zero health care experience.

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I can't believe she gave up such a great opportunity! What I wouldn't give for that opportunity myself...

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Hey, I just moved from Florida to North Dakota. I was an 1 year old grad with an ASN. The opportunities up here are endless because of the oil boom and the fact (let's face it) that this isn't the most comfortable place to live. However, they hire new grads to all departments except the ER and the people up here are super friendly. If you are considering Washington why not go a few states over? The longer you wait the harder it is! Good luck to you :)

Why is North Dakota not a good place to live? What are the hospital ratios like? How's the pay? It's definitely not someplace I have on my list of places I'd want to live but I'm keeping my options open.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Why is North Dakota not a good place to live?
Not everyone can deal with sub-zero, freezing winter temperatures and a sporifice population.
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