Do you think I have a chance at a residency?

[sstei5988]

I'm in my last year of my BSN program (YAY!!!), and am starting to think about job opportunities post graduation. I go to school in a small town in Colorado, and am originally from Denver. I have an externship at a local hospital in the ICU, and they have offered me a position upon graduation (which would also come with a 2 year contract, and hefty fines if you don't fulfill said contract). I am unsure if I want to take this, because although I think its a great opportunity, all of my family and friends are in Denver. I'm also nearly 30, so I'd like to start settling down with my boyfriend and all that stuff. My grades thus far have been good (4.0), and I have my externship experience as well as 2 years as a CNA in rehab facility. I am wondering what chances I would stand at getting a new grad residency, specifically at University of Colorado Hospital in Denver? Is it worth it to try to go for this and turn down job offer from local hospital?

[la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN]

In looking at their requirements, if you want to do ICU, they require you have work experience (such as you already have) in ICU. So, you're at least set for that. It is really up to what is important to you. I am really leery of any contract-based offer that has monetary penalties if you wanted to leave. Does any of your faculty have any ties to UCH? If so, they could probably write a letter or recommendation or maybe introduce you to the educator or manager responsible for hiring for their residency. It's worth a shot. I personally wouldn't touch a 2-year contract with a 10-foot pole but if you can ride out the 2 years, then I would just go for the sure thing. It just depends on how much of a sure thing you can turn UCH into, which is entirely possible. But, at least you should apply. Good luck!