Past and current RN Residents - Got any advice for a freshly NEW RN resident

Missie Hannie · Jun 17, 2016

Allow me to extend an early "welcome to Washington!" RN resident positions are very difficult to find, so congratulations! I just started my RN residency here in western WA last month, and it's been a whirlwind ever since. So far it feels something akin to being tossed in the deep end of the pool, but having someone teach you how to swim once you're already floundering a bit

In all seriousness, the best advice I can give at this point in time is to remember that we're not expected to be experts right away, not even at the end of our residencies. I have been told that it will take at least a year for us to start to feel somewhat comfortable in our jobs. Oftentimes I am hard on myself because I expect to be good at my job right out of the starting gate. I have had many nurses tell me to relax, and to soak up everything I could during this residency. Depending on your unit, if other nurses have an interesting case, you may be able to ask to observe or help with the procedure. I have had a couple of nurses so far who know that I'm a resident and invite me to see something interesting.

Also, I would advise you to make connection with fellow residents, instructors, nurses, LPNs, CNAs, and whoever else you may be working with. You can learn so much from coworkers, even if they don't have the same license or job as you do. Understanding the whole process, not just your little corner of it, will prove to be invaluable (so they tell me!)

Just out of curiosity, why move from Hawaii to Washington? I know several nurses who would give their right arm to move to Hawaii! You must have an awesome residency waiting for you up here! Washington is a beautiful place to live, but then again, I'm a bit biased :)

danicaone_101 · Jun 18, 2016

Allow me to extend an early "welcome to Washington!" RN resident positions are very difficult to find, so congratulations! I just started my RN residency here in western WA last month, and it's been a whirlwind ever since. So far it feels something akin to being tossed in the deep end of the pool, but having someone teach you how to swim once you're already floundering a bit
In all seriousness, the best advice I can give at this point in time is to remember that we're not expected to be experts right away, not even at the end of our residencies. I have been told that it will take at least a year for us to start to feel somewhat comfortable in our jobs. Oftentimes I am hard on myself because I expect to be good at my job right out of the starting gate. I have had many nurses tell me to relax, and to soak up everything I could during this residency. Depending on your unit, if other nurses have an interesting case, you may be able to ask to observe or help with the procedure. I have had a couple of nurses so far who know that I'm a resident and invite me to see something interesting.
Also, I would advise you to make connection with fellow residents, instructors, nurses, LPNs, CNAs, and whoever else you may be working with. You can learn so much from coworkers, even if they don't have the same license or job as you do. Understanding the whole process, not just your little corner of it, will prove to be invaluable (so they tell me!)
Just out of curiosity, why move from Hawaii to Washington? I know several nurses who would give their right arm to move to Hawaii! You must have an awesome residency waiting for you up here! Washington is a beautiful place to live, but then again, I'm a bit biased :)

Hi Missie Hannie,

Thank you for the great advice. I feel like I need to hit the books once again to remember EVERYTHING I learned in nursing school which is the reason why I feel so overwhelmed. Since I have some time until I start my residency, what would you suggest I do until then to prepare for it? Did you do anything in particular that helped you feel less nervous?

To answer your question, the job market for new RN graduates in Hawaii isn't that great. It is super difficult/competitive to get into RN residency programs and it is offered to those who have been working for the hospital for months to years. Additionally, the # of openings for these residencies is very limited and hiring occurs once a year. So many new grads end up being CNAs in hospital or long term care for some time or if lucky, score RN positions in long term, hospice, outpatient, home health, etc. After gaining experience, then they apply for hospital jobs.

In my case, I want to move away from Hawaii to broaden my horizon and gain experience in acute care. Plus, my parents are very supportive of my dreams so they encouraged me to explore other states. Hawaii will always be my home but it's time to explore. And yes, I was given the opportunity to be part of a RN residency that my classmates would fight for so I am very thankful.