Nurse residency programs or Not?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in ICU.

Hello all,

I was wondering if there is much difference between a nurse who starts her career in one of those hospitals that provide "nurse residency programs", magnet hospital or just a regular hospital that is not magnet and isn't a member of those hospitals that provide a "nurse residency programs".

I just got offered to work in a big hospital (521 beds) as a CCU nurse but they are not Magnet or have a "nurse residency program". There is a 4-6 months orientation period and I will have a preceptor. My question is, will I be missing on a lot if I do go to such hospital or will I still be a well-rounded nurse after 1-2 yrs of experience in such place? Is there a huge benefit for me to be in a magnet hospital vs. a non-magnet?

My ultimate goal to become a nurse anesthetist in few yrs.

As you know, only few hospitals in the country offer nurse residency program. My GPA would qualify me to get to such programs if I want to; but I feel that their process is tedious with recommendations letters and admission letters blah blah blah. I think if the person has that high of a GPA, means they already proven that they are capable of performing a superior job and that all that extra letters of recommendations and admission letters adds nothing to what a high GPA already says :angryfire

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.

Magnet doesn't really mean anything, it's just a label the hosptial pays for to make it look good. I work at one and I haven't noticed any measurable changes from before Magnet to after Magnet.

Oh, and a person's GPA does not guarantee that they will be a good nurse... I've seen some of the best nurses who have 3.0s and the worst ones often have 4.0s. Book smarts does not equal clinical smarts all the time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Oh, and a person's GPA does not guarantee that they will be a good nurse... I've seen some of the best nurses who have 3.0s and the worst ones often have 4.0s. Book smarts does not equal clinical smarts all the time.

So does a recommendations or admission letter that they ask for!!!

It is possibly so; however, the person with a high GPA earned by hard work only as you know so they already showed that they are motivated to succeed. It doesn't prove that they will; but it proves that they have a serious potential of being successful more than the person with low to average GPA.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, Oncology, Progressive Care.
So does a recommendations or admission letter that they ask for!!!

It is possibly so; however, the person with a high GPA earned by hard work only as you know so they already showed that they are motivated to succeed. It doesn't prove that they will; but it proves that they have a serious potential of being successful more than the person with low to average GPA.

You are really opening yourself up to be jumped on when you make statements like that. A high GPA does not necessarily prove that a person is a hard worker. I have known plenty of people with high GPAs who are the laziest people around. It is only someone who proves themselves as a hard worker who is truly a hard worker. You should really choose your words wisely.

Just so you know, I have an average GPA and have been told by plenty of people that I am a very hard worker. Not to brag, but, I am one of those people that many people come to as a resource. I put forth my best everyday I work and don't just sit around as I see many people doing. I am continually learning and trying to improve.

To get back to your original question. I work at a magnet hospital (started at non-magnet) so I didn't get a chance to do nurse residency but the nurses who do think it is a waste of time (they describe it as basically a ***** session). Maybe it's the way the nurse residency program is run. Perhaps you could find out more about the residency program and see if it will be beneficial to you or not. Having worked at a magnet hospital vs non-magnet I wouldn't choose to work somewhere based on their magnet status. It makes no difference one way or the other. I have a lot more criteria than that on choosing where I want to work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU.

Beware of the "Nurse Residency Programs". Check out what, how and when. Note if there is a contract to sign. Read it very carefully. There are programs wrapped in pretty packages that are not what they claim. Ask for names of RN's in the program currently and talk w/ them. Some hospitals may not have these programs but also give good orientations. At my current hospital no one has ever been denied an extention to the orientation. Be an advocate for yourself and find out as much as you can about the facility from those who are currently working the floors- not HR. Good Luck and keep looking, if it doesn't feel right it probably isn't.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.
You are really opening yourself up to be jumped on .......

I believe I am communicating with professional group of people. "To be jumped on" as you put it will just reflect the un-professionalism of the person that choses to conduct themselves in this way and that they cannot carry on an intelligent conversation PERIOD.

If you read what I said carefully you will not be offended since I didn't say that a nurse with high GPA will be doing better or working harder; I just said they have the potential to succeed since they worked hard for their GPA- this doesn't guarantee that they well, just show a potential and this also doesn't mean that an average/low GPA person isn't going to work hard and be successful in their job.

I don't intend this post to take away of my original post and my original question so plz don't be offended and read my words carefully.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment