How long are you considered a "new grad?"

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Hi, everyone. I graduated May 2011 and am wondering if I'm still considered a new grad, and at what point I'm no longer considered. I just took an RN Refresher course and completed it this past May. With the RN Refresher certificate, do I qualify as a new grad for a longer period of time than without it?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

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New grad programs will have different definitions of the phrase, so you'll have to check with them individually. You don't say if you've ever worked as a nurse, either. That would make a difference. For casual purposes, I would say you're a new grad, but I'm guessing you're job hunting. Good luck if that's the case. :)

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Only RN experience I have is 5 months of Home Health, and that was Per Diem. So I guess, according to quite a few facilities, I'm still a new grad and will still be one if/when I reach the 3 year graduation mark. How frustrating this job hunt is.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

In my organization, anyone with less than 12 months of full time experience is classified as a new grad.

I am so sorry you are having so much difficulty launching your nursing career. Hopefully, in 5 years or so, this will only be a bad memory.

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Specializes in Pedi.
Only RN experience I have is 5 months of Home Health, and that was Per Diem. So I guess, according to quite a few facilities, I'm still a new grad and will still be one if/when I reach the 3 year graduation mark. How frustrating this job hunt is.

A nurse who graduated in May 2011 and has been working full-time for 2 years is not a new grad. A nurse who graduated in May 2011 and has not consistently held a full-time job would likely be considered a new grad... an old new grad at that but they will have to orient you as a new grad rather than as an experienced nurse, so you are a new grad. Good luck with the job hunt.

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Im still considered new at my job.. Ive been there 7 months..

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Hi, everyone. I graduated May 2011 and am wondering if I'm still considered a new grad, and at what point I'm no longer considered. I just took an RN Refresher course and completed it this past May. With the RN Refresher certificate, do I qualify as a new grad for a longer period of time than without it?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Where did you take your rn refresher course??

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I took it at Grossmont Health Occupations Center in Santee, CA. Best one in CA for the price ($400). And as far as I know, it's the only one that'll give you 192 hrs of clinicals at Kaiser. :) Highly recommended. Let me know if you can't find their web site and/or if you have any other questions.

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Thank you to everyone who responded. Helps to know that I'm still considered a new grad, but frustrated at the lack of job offers. Hopefully this is all just a temporary setback. I just recently got hired in retail and going through the initial 2 week training period. I'm hoping to save up enough money from this job so I can get my resume & cover letter professionally done. And pay off my loan little by little.

Persistence is key, fellow unemployed new grad nurses. Someone told me about doing a vision board that has words and pics of what your ideal goal looks like. Can help keep you motivated during the rough times.

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