Decisions Ahead! Residency or Another Job

[DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN]

I am about to begin my last semester of nursing school! We have a decision to make right after we go back to school... whether or not we are interested in the hospital's nurse residency program.

I live in a town of 100,000. We only have one hospital, and in that hospital system they only hire new nurses with 3 years experience. The only way around this requirement is to complete the hospital's nursing residency program. This program is highly competitive (100 applicants for 30 spots), and is 8 weeks in length. During this time you are paid less than an RN ($5-6 per hour less), and you work under the direct supervision of a nurse and constantly evaluated. After the completion of the 8 weeks, you are given one final evaluation and they decide if you can apply for a job. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OF A NURSING JOB

I ultimately want to work in the hospital, but I am worrying about taking 8 weeks and still not having a job at the end, while my other classmates hit the ground running. The decrease in pay does not bother me, I just don't know if it is worth the risk to wait to try to find a job.

Thanks

[DalekRN]

No guarantee? That's total crap. I've never heard of no guarantee in any nurse residency. I would look elsewhere.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Does it start right after school ends?

If is starts within a month or two then it's likely worthwhile. You get paid and gain 8 weeks of real life experience, and if you are good you get a job otherwise not available to you.

There really is no downside. You likely won't find a job within 8 weeks anyways.

[DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN]

Does it start right after school ends?

If is starts within a month or two then it's likely worthwhile. You get paid and gain 8 weeks of real life experience, and if you are good you get a job otherwise not available to you.

There really is no downside. You likely won't find a job within 8 weeks anyways.

Yes it starts right after school ends even before we get our ATT. I like the idea about getting some experience. Like I said this is the only hospital in town and the only other options are care centers. My real dream is to work in L&D so going for the residency puts me on track!

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Yes it starts right after school ends even before we get our ATT. I like the idea about getting some experience. Like I said this is the only hospital in town and the only other options are care centers. My real dream is to work in L&D so going for the residency puts me on track!

Definitely go for it.

[Ashes172, BSN, RN]

Why not apply and see what happens. Worst thing that can happen if you get it but don't get a job is you at least have experience to add to your resume.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Most hospitals have ceased the old practice of "guaranteeing" a job for any nurses that successfully complete their residencies. And the practice of only hiring new grads via the residency is not unusual either. Staffing is just too tight these days for them to try to create positions if there aren't any available. As an interim solution, some of them will put you in the float pool until a position comes open for you.

If you feel good about the hospital & don't want to relocate, go ahead and try for the residency.

Best of luck to you!

[DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN]

Thanks everyone! The hospital is where I really want to be, so I think I am going to go for the internship - it is definitely the scarier route, but nursing students don't have fear right??!!!?? hahaha, I almost believe what I am saying

[maxx12]

Even if you don't get offered a position it is still great experience and a great way to keep up your nursing skills.

Also making less is better than making nothing!

[llg, PhD, RN]

Definitely do the residency if you can. For me, it would be a no-brainer. No one can guarantee you a job in the future. For all they know, you could turn out to be a terrible employee -- so it is not reasonable for you to expect guaranteed long-term employment. I've been in my current job for 16 years -- but I am NOT guaranteed a job 8 weeks from now. They can fire me tomorrow if they feel like it.

For those who are accepted ... they are willing to hire you for 8 weeks, PAYING you while they teach you and give you experience. That's a great deal. Most people aren't so lucky in life.

Good luck to you. I hope you get chosen.