Experience required to not be a "new grad" anymore

[pugmom79]

Hi all- is it one years experience or two years ( or more?) that you should spend in that first job so if/when you decide to look elsewhere you are no longer really considered a newbie anymore?

Thanks!

[Inori, BSN, RN]

reading whiteglove job ads I'd say needs at least 2 years of RN experience in the field of expertise. In otherwords if you have 2 years in medsurge but you wish to apply for pediatrics you'd be treated as not having any experience. So buckle down, work and get that minimum exp in there. You want to be seen as a stable worker not one who jumps from position to position every few months. It costs lots of monies to train a new grad so no one wants pay for orientatoin and preceptoring time. good luck and keep in mind all employers want to avoid job hopper and frankly it takes 1 yr to develop confidence and basic competency as new grad. So changing companies before then is not recommended.

[pugmom79]

Oh yeah I would not leave before a year. I just wondered if you needed more.

Thanks for the response

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

In my organization, we consider anyone with

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Usually you're no longer considered a new grad after 12 months of working as a nurse, regardless of what speciality you are in. After that point, you may be considered as being inexperienced if you were to apply to different specialty, but you're technically not a new grad anymore.

However, the employers' definition of what a "new grad" is to them can vary widely, so you should always check with HR to see what you are eligible for. My facility will consider you for their new grad program if you have less than 12 months' experience as a nurse.