New Grad, for how long?

Nurses New Nurse

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I graduated in May and moved soon after that, do to new area and my husband's schedule (we have a young child) I have not landed a hospital job yet. How long can I be a new grad? I mean what if its 2012, and I say I graduated in May......2009. I already feel I have forgotten everything I learned... I do try to read, but not like I did in school.

I'm seriously considering going back to school to peruse something different, something that is better suitable with my child's schedule. Any thoughts?? Thanks

Mia98

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Specializes in Foot care.

I graduated in May 2009 and I've started referring to myself as a recent grad.

If I'm still unemployed after a year, I have no idea how I will refer to myself.

As for going for more education to do something different, I don't know. Jobs are tough no matter what you want to do. The nursing field is so wide. Have you tried to find a job in somewhere other than a hospital?

I don't know if it will help me, but I'm currently taking a Red Cross phlebotomy class. I am hoping phlebotomy skills will make me a more desirable candidate for Nursing Jobs.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

According the the nurse recruiters I spoke to at two hospitals, you are considered a new grad by them until you have a year of experience.

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hotflashion- I've tired some doctors offices and the jail did call me, but I did not even go in for a interview because I knew I did not want to do that. I'm about to sub for the school district and work on getting my BSN.

Good Luck to you.......

Meriwhen- Thanks, that is what I wanted to know...

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Specializes in LTC/Skilled Care/Rehab.

Thanks for asking the question! I was wondering the same thing....

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Specializes in NICU.

Caveat: yes, you are considered a new grad until you've gotten a year of experience, but after about a year out of school, if you haven't been working, you fall into a kind of limbo zone. Technically you're still eligible for new grad programs, but nurse recruiters/managers are going to see you as a much less attractive candidate than someone fresh out of school (and going three years without working? I don't see how you'd even get your foot in the door, unless you've taken a refresher course in the interim). That's just the nature, unfortunately, of this rapidly evolving, advancing field.

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Hi

You are considered a new graduate until you have at least 6 month to 1 year experience. I know how you feel I am in the same situation I graduated December 2008 and it has been a year for me and I feel like I have forgot everything that I have learned. I can't get a job because I just moved and it seems like nobody is hiring here in Alabama they all want an RN with experience. But don't give up on your nursing career I decided to apply for the RN-BSN compilations program so I could get my BSN and I will start in the fall I think this is the perfect time to go back to school especially for nurses with a 2 year degree.

GOOD Luck and I hope you find something soon!!!!!!!!!!

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I was wondering the same thing. I graduated in May of 09 and after moving back home to the Seatttle area I think I am the only one in my class who doesn't have a job. I too thought about going back to school for something else but I don't know what. Nursing is all I have wanted to do. Now I can't. I've gone from frustrated to hopeless to angry back to hopeless!! oh I'm new here BTW :o)

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Most of the new-grad programs that I looked at required applicants to have graduated within the previous 12 months. Therefore, it seems that many folks strip the new-grad label from anyone more than a year out from graduation, irrespective of experience.

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