Two months experience--still a new grad, right?

[Scooter321]

Hoping to get a few opinions from the seasoned. I graduated in May, NCLEX in June, and started work three days later as an RN at a diabetes camp, where I spent about two months. It was a wonderful experience, and I have definitely included it in my resume for all job applications since.

My question is, should I still avoid applying for jobs that state "No new grads"? I do still consider myself to be a new grad, as a couple of months' experience, albeit pretty intensive diabetes stuff that involved a lot of autonomy, isn't a lot. What do you guys think? I apply to anything and everything that says "experience preferred" but avoid any that say "required" or "no new grads." Not getting a single bite so far though. Am I right in NOT applying for those positions?

[poopprincess]

From my understanding you have up to an entire year of being considered a new grad. I would absolutely be applying for new grad positions. Especially since you were in a diabetes camp. That is GREAT experience, but it is not enough to be considered "experienced." There is still a ton of stuff to be learned so I would seek entry level positions. Most of the experienced ones are probably looking to hire someone with at least a yr. under their belt. Good luck! :)

[Scooter321]

Thanks, Poopprincess. I thought as much. I would LOVE to apply to new grad positions, if I could find even a single one. What I do see a lot is "NO new grads need apply." Sigh. I'll carry on carrying on then--avoiding those that "require" experience but trying for those that "prefer" it. Because there sure as heck isn't anyone looking for new grads right now--at least not in Mass. I'm hoping that the law of averages will kick in for me soon, having applied to so many, maybe one of them will pan out. Eventually. Ugh!

[sMoLsNurse]

I was told to apply for anything that says 1 year or less... because they may consider new grads.

[Scooter321]

Good to know, MolsLPN. Thanks.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

in addition to what the others have mentioned, applying to hospitals or facilities that have big hrs may be a waste of time if they have an electronic application process that will filter out your application. specifically, your application can be sent to a dead-end database rather than to a hiring manager when you answer "no" to the questions that are required or preferred related to experience. on the other hand, small facilities/clinics with either a tiny hr or no hr may be willing to give you a chance. thus, if you have not already done so, consider applying to small places. btw, flu season is among us! try applying to flu clinics soon to help build your year of work experience. gl!