Would I still be considered as a new nurse after a year?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2009

Are you only applying to hospitals? As an RN in a slumping economy, your career does not necessarily have to start off at a hospital.

Try looking for nursing jobs at non-hospital healthcare settings such as dialysis centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, clinics, doctors offices, and university health centers.

If you are flexible enough to pick up the pieces of your life to relocate, then moving might be a good option. Good luck to you!

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Oct 30, 2009

In my organization, we assess actual work experience. Anyone with

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 30, 2009

I was told by two of my local hospitals that they will consider you a "new" nurse until you've worked for 1 year. I agree with TheCommuter: you probably need to look for your first job outside of hospitals and get the golden year that way.

If you could relocate, you can give it a try...but if it were me, I'd try my best to get the job offer in hand first before I relocate my life and my family. I'd rather know I'm going someplace with a certain job than to move to the middle of South Dakota (or wherever) without one just to take a chance.

Good luck!

+one · Oct 30, 2009

I agree that it's really hard to look for a job when you are a new graduate,

I'm having a hard time myself. sigh.

CathyLew · Oct 30, 2009

I know the old standard used to be *get 2 years of Med surg experience*.... so 2 years seemed to be the old standard for testing a new nurse out. Keep looking, and keep your options open. Even private duty is experience.

mandyw706 · Oct 30, 2009

I agree with keeping your options open. Look outside the box. I am kind of in the same position as you. I graduated in Dec of 2008, but I have worked Dialyis Unit for the last 9 years. Went back to school so I could go into other arease of healthcare. Unfortunatly, the only phone calls I recieve is for dialysis related jobs. At first I said no, but now its whatever gets me in the door.Start anywhere you never know where your going to end up.

Scrubs911 · Oct 31, 2009

If relocation is not out of the question, why not apply to hospitals in other cities or states, and relocate if you get a job (not before). I know of many people who had to move across the country for jobs cos they'd stayed months without working and were afraid of "forgetting" their skills.

Cherybaby · Oct 31, 2009

I think you would still be considered a new nurse even with the one year title. You haven't worked yet, so you don't have any experience to speak of. Most employers are looking for experience. I realize this is difficult when you are trying to GET the experience and no one is hiring you. That has to be very frustrating. I'm a nurse in Florida too. The job market here is pretty poor right now. They keep stating that there is a nursing shortage here, but none of my peers are able to find work right now either.

Crazy times. Hang in there. Something will stick eventually.

webmansx, ASN, RN · Oct 31, 2009

Try Texas, plenty of jobs, even for new grads