Do New Grads Have To Be Hired Vs. Staff Nurse I?

[Jazzy_nurse_SF]

Can anyone give me any feedback about getting a job as a staff nurse I?

Most jobs are posting as manadatory to have at least 1year of RN experience. But the new grad programs are full for the summer and fall, and none are offered from Kaiser until January 2009. I have tried other facilities, but the gas and commute is not feesible for me to commute to Palo alto or even San Jose.

I saw a post previously about someone saying that one can be hired as a staff nurse I and come on board as a new grad, but not attending a large class with other new grads. So, I am wondering if it is true, can we apply for jobs staff nurse I being a new grad. Or are we just out of luck for the rest of the year?

I appreciate the feedback!

[Rockhopper]

Yes, you can apply to hospitals as an RN I being a new grad. The main difference between being a new grad and an RN I is that new grads theoretically get a structured program introducing them to the hospital, such as hours with their other new grads in their cohort (learning nsg skills, discussing their experiences) and observing other depts in the hospital (ie. PT, Speech, Pharm, Lab, etc). Although this is nice, I feel that it takes time away from being on the floor with the preceptor...Other than that, the hrs of preceptorship may be the same. At Kaiser, the pay is the same for orientees & RN I.

At Kaiser, you are eligible to request a transfer to a different facility after working for 6 months.

Hope this helps.

[soon2be]

Is a new grad program preferable over Staff Nurse I (right out of graduation)?

Thanks.