What's the best way to get into Peds Ortho Residency after graduation?

Career Columnist / Author · Dec 21, 2015

Hi Nurse Beth,

I am a student at UT Arlington in Texas and finishing up prerequisites. I am applying for their upper level BSN program soon. I REALLY want to specialize in pediatric orthopedics after graduation, and was told that the best way is to get a ped residency through one of the hospitals nearby (Children's Medical Dallas, or Cooks Childrens Ft Worth).

They're really competitive, is there another way if I don't get in? They state I can't reapply if I don't get it, a one shot type of deal. Also, they state I have to have no work experience prior to applying for the ped residency.

I'm at a quandary now. To have a better chance of being accepted into the BSN program I should be partnered (employees by a hospital on the clinic rotation list). I have a 3.9 GPA, so I'm hoping that'd be enough.

So questions....is there another way to go about becoming a ped ortho nurse after graduation if I don't get accepted into the residency program? Do you know of either of those hospitals listed are better than the other for that specialty? Any other tips upon pursuing that specialty or insight?

Thank you!

Dear Seeking Peds Ortho Residency,

If I understand your question correctly, you are asking how best to get accepted into a pediatric nursing residency program after you graduate at either Children's Medical, or Cook's.

When they say that to be eligible to for the new grad residency, you must not have had any work experience, they mean as an RN. Residencies are for new grads, not experienced nurses. So you can try to land a job now as a nursing assistant at either hospital.

Working there when you go to apply for an RN new grad position down the road will help you greatly. It's the best way to have a chance at the residency later. Spend your time there as an audition. Get to know people, be helpful and friendly. Network, network, and let people know you want to work there when your graduate. Introduce yourself to the Peds managers and Charge Nurses.

Continue to keep your grades up (3.9, good job!), as you don't want to lose out to a candidate with a slightly higher GPA than yours when the time comes.

Finally- you are not in the program yet, so many things could change from now until graduation. However, with a strategic plan to get hired, you are way ahead of the game, and it could pay off very well.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth