experienced nurse training programs/residency?

kalycat, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2015

Not sure where you're located but my region has several hospitals that offer new to specialty residency programs. They're very competitive since most also take a select number of new grads. I would try to reach out to a recruiter directly since many of these programs are only offered once per year (in this area, anyway) and the postings are easy to miss.

elkpark · Nov 24, 2015

There are nursing refresher courses for nurses who have been out of practice and want to get more current. The state BONs typically maintain a list of programs available in the state, since they sometimes require nurses who want to get their licenses back to take them.

mago8388 · Nov 25, 2015

I'm in your same situation and is very frustrating. I even took a refresher course but had had no luck yet. I applied for a nurse residency for the OR in Houston but got passed on. It was for experienced nurses and I'm autr they rather hired people with probably the ICU or strong med surg background. I had applied for a bunch of RN 1 and 2 positions with the local hospitals with no luck. I worked less than a year in med surg in 09 right after graduation. I didn't stay at that job because I found it impossible to work odd overnight shifts. Could not sleep during the day no matter what I did. I found a home care position after that and I took it and did Home care with 2 agencies for a few years. (Bad move I guess) I really want to go back to the hospital but not sure what to do.

calivianya, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2015

Many hospitals I have heard of have OR residencies, but no specific residencies for other specialties for experienced nurses.

Ideally, you will get a good orientation at a new position whether the position is labeled a residency or not. Just ask how long orientation is for experienced nurses at your job interviews and you will get a feel for which employers are willing to train you and which are just going to throw you to the wolves.