What happens when we are no longer a New Grad?

[Donnuh]

What happens when we cannot find a job for a whole year and no longer qualify for the new graduate program? What can we do to make ourselves marketable? Would we qualify for refresher course? Would some hospitals be lenient and still let us be in the new graduate program after 1.5 years of graduating????? I know some new graduates who had not find a job after their one year marrk, and they have applied everywhere. One person I know is currently working as a nursing assistant, just to get his foot in the door. Advices? Please? :redbeathe

[tablefor9, RN]

Ok, so I wouldn't stress about the no "new grad" thing. You're going to get an *orientation* in any job you get, and that's all any of us old timers ever got, as special new grad programs were few and far between outside of major teaching hospitals years ago. Somehow we made it, and you will, too.

You can do volunteer work, you can do humanitarian/mission work (short term), and you can apply every-stinking-where and either commute or move. And once you get the job, you can be proactive in finding learning opportunities, mentoring, and resources. And you can succeed without the bells and whistles and classroom/lab/hand-holding ad nauseum.

You'll do fine. And you keep telling yourself that every single day until you believe it.:)

[Donnuh]

Thank you :). Your words calmed my nerves and put a smile on my face. I am in the process of applying to volunteer at hospitals and other places. :redbeathe

[Snickerdoodles]

I think the "new grad" term applies to your experience, not your actual calendar year out of school! But either way remember it is your liscense, and if you are not comfortable on your own, or with the work load you are being started off at, speak up! Good luck finding a position!