New Grad - Is an RN Residency the way to go?

[GGBRN]

I have scoured the Internet and applied to a bunch of RN Residency programs around the country with no luck I am taking the NCLEX April 2... I hope that I will pass and be able to find a job soon, because all I keep hearing is that I won't.

Why are RN residencies so hard to get into? I completed an accelerated program and didn't have the chance to do an externship or internship - is that the kind of candidate they are looking for? I thought I had a decent GPA (3.3), but it seems like I should just give up at refrain from applying to more and apply to regular jobs instead... any one have advice for me?

Thanks!!!!!

[bebbercorn]

There is such a saturation of new grad RN's that I feel like it's luck of the draw, like some recruiter is picking out resumes at random. Good luck to you!

[serenitylove14]

Its just not realistic for every RN graduate to expect to get a job in a residency. My first job, started beginning of this month, was at a Psych hospital ran by the state, with a 6 week orientation. My second job is at the VA, I am just waiting on the process to get complete, and its 12 week orientation. It doesnt really matter where you work its the amount of orientation and how willing they are to help you as a new grad. Branch out from the usual and apply to state and federal positions, they usually pay more and are willing to take on new grads.

Hope this helps.