How long?

Nurses Job Hunt

Published

Specializes in Emergency.

Is one considered a "new grad"? I am unsure where I fall in this scale of "new grad" or not "new grad".

A little background: we are a military family. I've been working as an RN for 9 months now; and I'm having to apply to jobs where we will be relocating this April. A few have been turned down on "Disposition: New Grad", but I don't exactly fall into the category of "New Grad" when it comes to applying for new grad programs.

The obvious answer is to wait until I have 12 months, but then even at that point; is that enough to apply?

I don't want to stay behind, but I can't go with until I have a job, even something part time or per diem because a 2nd income is necessary. :(

1 of the local hospitals requires all RNs to go through there program if they have any amount less then 12 months of FT RN experience.

Hope that helps. Having employment on your resume should help you get a "new grad" position.

Get that magical one year experience to not be considered a "new grad" anymore.

But even then, I'm seeing a lot more job postings that prefer 2-3 years experience... not a lot of them, but more than before. :(

Good luck!

Specializes in Maternity.

Where I live, ANY nursing experience will help you get a job that isn't intended for "new grads."

With 9 months experience, I would apply to any jobs intended for "experience of 1 year."

When I was working maternity/OB, I only had 7 months experience before looking around my home town for a job. The recruiter said that L&D generally requires a year of experience but, she said she has seen nurses have an extended orientation time until they reach a year. I didn't follow through with it d/t getting an office job with much better hours but, hey, I got a call from a recruiter with only 7 months experience.

I thought having less than a year of experience before looking for new job would hurt me too but, it didn't. Moral of the story: APPLY. You are very close to a year, and are probably too experienced to be considered a new grad.

Specializes in Emergency.

I have been applying EVERYWHERE that says they are hiring. :) Maybe someone will give me a chance. If not, it's only 3 more months until I hit 12 months.

I did a new grad program at my job now, I would hate to do another one. :(

+ Add a Comment