As a new nursing graduate, figuring out when you’re officially considered a new grad nurse can be difficult. Whether you just graduated from nursing school or recently switched from another career into the healthcare field, knowing how long to designate yourself as a ‘new grad’ is essential—not only for your resume but also for determining when you’ll qualify for specific opportunities that come with more experience.
In this blog post, we will cover the ins and outs of becoming a ‘new grad’ in nursing, including advice on getting comfortable as entry-level professional and informative tips to help navigate your first few years in the profession. Read further to learn all about it so you can start taking charge of your prospects now.
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How Long are You Considered a New Grad Nurse
The answer to this question will depend on the organizations or institutions you’re applying to. Generally, you are considered a new grad nurse if you have had less than one year of experience as a registered nurse (RN). This is usually measured from your graduation date from nursing school or when you obtained your RN license. If you’ve been working in another healthcare field, such as a medical assistant or home health aide, your time in that role does not count towards the one-year threshold.
That said, some organizations may have a different definition of what constitutes a new grad nurse. For example, some may offer unique opportunities to those who have graduated within three years, while others may only consider nurses who graduated within the past year as new grads. Check with potential employers beforehand to see their specific requirements for new graduates.
Once you’ve had a year of experience as an RN, you are no longer considered a new grad nurse— but that doesn’t mean your learning and development are done. There are plenty of continuing education programs for RNs, such as online courses or certifications, that you can take advantage of to stay on top of the latest developments in the nursing profession.
When are You not Considered a “New Grad” Anymore?
Here are a few reasons to keep in mind as you’re navigating this:
- You’re no longer recognized as a new grad nurse after working in a paid nursing position for over a year.
- You are even considered a new graduate nurse if you have yet to complete one year of work experience by the anniversary of receiving your nursing license.
- If you’ve had your license for over a year but have not gained paid experience, you will still be assumed to be a new grad nurse.
Regardless of your experience or how long you’ve been in the profession, you should always strive to advance your knowledge and career. There are many ways to do this, such as taking continuing education courses or joining professional organizations. With the right strategies and resources, you can continue to up your skillset and progress in your nursing career for many years.
What Is a Nurse Residency Program?
New grad nurse residency programs are an excellent way for recent nursing graduates to gain more experience and get comfortable in the profession. These programs provide new graduates with hands-on training and mentoring, so they can better learn the ropes of being a nurse.
Through these residencies, nurses can gain valuable knowledge about medical policies, procedures, medications, and other aspects of the job. Additionally, residences can help nurses build beneficial relationships with experienced professionals in the field, opening up even more opportunities.
Why Should New Grad or Nurses Pursue Residency Program?
These programs are supported by prominent nursing organizations, such as the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Research shows that nurses who complete residency programs ultimately experience higher job satisfaction, less burnout and stress, and are more likely to remain at their hosting facility for more extended periods.
Conversely, new nurses not participating in a residency program may experience a less smooth transition into clinical nurse practice, resulting in higher burnout, turnover, and other practice issues within their first year.
According to a study, completing a Nurse Residency Program has increased first-job retention among new graduates by 6% to 10%.
The Top 4 Highest Paying New Grad Nurse Job
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be a 9% increase in nursing jobs by 2030, which will result in 276,800 new positions.
There are many specialties new grads can pursue in the medical field, but some of the higher-paying ones include:
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist — Average: $195,610/year
- Dean of Nursing — Average: $188,778/year
- General nurse practitioner — Average: $120,680/year
- Certified nurse midwife — Average: $116,253/year
Why is it Necessary To Know New Grad Nurses for Their Career?
Below are five main reasons why new grad nurses need to know their career goals and plan accordingly:
1. To Know As a fresher what you can do: As a new graduate nurse, you have a unique opportunity to impact and shape your career. Knowing the roles available can help you decide which path is best for you.
2. To Know When To Change Your Current Job: After some time, you may find that your current job isn’t a good fit. It’s essential to stay informed about the latest trends in nursing so you can make an informed decision on when and how to switch roles.
3. To Understand Job Security: Knowing what opportunities are available helps ensure job security for new grad nurses. With a wide range of roles available, there is always the chance to find a better fit for you and your career.
4. To Know How To Advance Your Career: New grad nurses can stay ahead of the curve by visiting up-to-date on the latest trends and skills required. It’s also essential to continuously gain new knowledge and skills and join professional organizations to stay abreast of the latest developments in nursing.
5. To Leverage Your Network: Joining professional networks also helps new grad nurses connect with experienced professionals. These relationships can be invaluable resources for job advice, career advancement opportunities, and more. Plus, networking can open up doors to exciting new career paths.
Knowing what you can do as a new grad nurse is essential for building your career and advancing professional development. Staying informed about the latest trends in nursing, joining groups and networks, and honing your skills will help you stay ahead of the game and build longevity in your chosen field.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the roles available for new grad nurses will help you determine which path is best suited for your career. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends and networking with experienced professionals, you can position yourself for success in your chosen field.
Participating in a nurse residency program can provide valuable support and guidance to ensure a positive transition into clinical practice. You can decide when and how to switch roles and advance your career with the proper knowledge and resources.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.