RN new grad UNPAID residency program

[rebean]

Hi-

I'm wondering about opinions on an unpaid RN residency. My community college has just started a post-licensure 3 month training program in the local hospitals. There is no stipend and no guarantee of a job at the end- just supervised experience and the possibility of convincing people to hire you at the end. As a result, the local participating hospitals have created a moratorium on hiring new grads who have not gone through their program. The managers get to interview the candidates before selecting them for their unit. The students are responsible for paying for the hospitals background check.

Does this sound legal? Ethical? It sounds to me like the hospitals have the opportunity to get new nurses trained to their units without having to pay for it. For people who can't move out of the area, it's the only option.

Thanks

[dianabay]

BTW, that was before getting our RN license.

The other bonus- the RN exams were a breeze. For nearly every scenario, I'd had a pt with the same or similar condition(s).

[caliotter3]

BUT, because if that year of experience, none of us had trouble finding a job.

If only other nursing programs around today prepared their graduates so well.....

[dianabay]

Indeed, Caliotter. We also knew the reality of nursing before graduation.

[Freedom42]

I completed a three year diploma program- I mean 3 FULL years. No spring breaks. Summers were for "summer rotation" in med-surg.

Third year we worked as a "Nurse Intern" for a FULL 12 months, 40 hours a week. And, you were the charge nurse on every shift for 4 months. As interns we were allowed to do everything a RN did, except give IV lasix. For that we had to be supervised. We staffed the hospital.

In return, we had free nursing residence, subsidized meals ($1) and got paid $84.00 a month! ha ha

BUT, because if that year of experience, none of us had trouble finding a job.

You staffed the hospital, you got valuable experience, and you had a compensation package. Sounds like a good deal for all concerned.

[dianabay]

Yes, it was a great deal for all, Freedom.

Too bad it does not exist anymore. The entry to practice is now a BSN, so no more diploma programs......