Did you do a new grad residency or internship?

Jules A, MSN · Jan 3, 2010

I didn't but I graduated when positions were plentiful and I was so sick of school that the thought of doing a new grad program made me want to croak. My friends who did them felt they were really beneficial although they were discouraged by how long it took before they were on their units actually working as a nurse. Good luck!

SunDazed, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2010

I did a residency. The hospital I work for is trying to use a residency program to attract more nurses. The program was lame because administration didn't take the time to make the residency specific to this hospital. It was a Versant program, which I have heard can be really good if the hospital has worked out all the kinks.

My classmate did a residency at UCLA. One question she learned to ask was "What is the success rate of the program?" Everyone I know assumed that if you were accepted into a residency they work with you to make you successful... and then you have a job as a more competent nurse. Turns out, not always. She was in a NICU residency that she was later told had less than a 50% completion rate. Some dropped out on their own. Others were asked to leave.

Lessons learned: Interview questions need to include number of people accepted who finish the program? How long has the hospital had the residency program? Can I speak to a nurse who has completed the program? If it doesn't work out, will they place you elsewhere in the hospital? If you do finish the residency, are you guaranteed a position in the hospital?

Hope this helps somebody.

LeLeeFNP · Jan 3, 2010

I will be starting a one in a few weeks at vanderbilt in nashville. i got my RN in may and prior to that I was an LPN, but at the time i applied i had less than six months of RN experience, so I still qualified. I can't really tell you my personal experience because i haven't started the program yet, but I will get the opportunity to do a critical care residency which will allow me to rotate through various areas of critical care which i think is pretty cool. Its really hard to get a job in critical care without at least once year of critical care experience and I only have about 5 months of experience (in CC as an RN) so for me that is the main reason for doing the residency. I don't believe I would have trouble finding a nursing job in any other specialty at this point because altogether, including my LPN I now have about 2 years nursing experience.

If nashville is an area you wouldnt mind relocating to definately check out vanderbilt's program. they are currently accepting applications for their next cohart which starts this summer.

good luck.

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 3, 2010

I attended two. One was just for enrichment, it was offered as an option by a large hospital system because our smaller hospital was starting a telemetry unit. I (and most of my co-workers) had previous cardiac experience. It was a very large class of mostly new grad interns. It was designed for all cardiac specialties based at a larger city hospital that had a prestigious reputation in cardiac care. As an experienced cardiac RN I found it extremely helpful & informative. Really took my knowledge to a new level. I felt so bad for the new grad RN's because I thought it was way too much information. Also their future jobs depended on making a minimum score on the tests we were given. They were crying in the halls.

I then went to neonatal ICU (different hospital system) and went to another set of internship classes. It was designed for new grads or those new to neonatal practice. Compared to the cardiac internship, it was not as intense and no one was required to make minimum scores (though personal competition kept scores high). It was good but not as good as the cardiac internship had been.

I believe both of these hospitals currently hire new grads but this is the wrong time of the year for it, their classes usually start January/June. If you want the names & area, PM me.

Jules A, MSN · Jan 4, 2010

I did a residency. The hospital I work for is trying to use a residency program to attract more nurses. The program was lame because administration didn't take the time to make the residency specific to this hospital. It was a Versant program, which I have heard can be really good if the hospital has worked out all the kinks.
My classmate did a residency at UCLA. One question she learned to ask was "What is the success rate of the program?" Everyone I know assumed that if you were accepted into a residency they work with you to make you successful... and then you have a job as a more competent nurse. Turns out, not always. She was in a NICU residency that she was later told had less than a 50% completion rate. Some dropped out on their own. Others were asked to leave.
Lessons learned: Interview questions need to include number of people accepted who finish the program? How long has the hospital had the residency program? Can I speak to a nurse who has completed the program? If it doesn't work out, will they place you elsewhere in the hospital? If you do finish the residency, are you guaranteed a position in the hospital?
Hope this helps somebody.

This information should be helpful for other new grads. I had no idea that these programs didn't always turn into a full time position! Can you imagine? :eek:

SunDazed, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2010

This information should be helpful for other new grads. I had no idea that these programs didn't always turn into a full time position! Can you imagine?

Imagine relocating cross country for it... then bloop it's gone!

Lacie, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2010

I did a Nurse externship which I started in my junior year working on my BSN. It was a major hospital in lexington ky and I absolutely LOVED it. Loved it so much I stayed there after I graduated in the unit I did my externship in CCU. The only thing they didnt allow me to do the licensed RN's do was give meds and be honest there were times they did have me do some to learn iv starts, etc. I couldnt have been treated any better any where then I was there. "They assigned me pts just like the RN's with only the RN's giving my meds. I did everything else. I wrote MD orders, ordered labs, initiatated txs. RN in charge would have to co-sign all my md orders, charting etc. I felt we grounded and well prepared for the job by graduation. I did my first year in the hospital before I moved on to other things but loved every minute of it. I had great admin and Nurse manager who went out of there way to give me experience and to teach.

hearts895, RN BSN · Jan 4, 2010

Where did you do it? Did you like it? Did you hate it? Please give me the scoop! I am looking to relocate for a job, so I am hoping to find programs that people have enjoyed or gotten a lot out of! ANy insight on where I should or shyould not go? Any programs or areas to avoid?

Thanks for asking this question! I too, would like to know the answer!

sistasoul · Jan 4, 2010

I graduated in May 2008 with my ADN. Worked 5 months passing meds in a LTC facility before I could find a job in the hospital. I received 3 weeks of floor training with various charge nurses who had other responsibilities besides teaching me on their minds. Essentially I had no hospital experience but school clinicals and I still only received 3 weeks training. My hospital thought the 5 months of passing meds was considered experience. I took the job knowing I would only get this amount of training because hospital jobs in my area are hard to come by for new grads. I would have loved to be in a new grad program where the training is 4 times as long and you are catered too.

I would definitely do a new grad program if you can get in to one as I can see how it can only help with the transition from student nurse to RN.

MJB2010 · Jan 4, 2010

Tiffy, I am trying to figure out how to pm you, I think I may not have enough posts yet! ANyone that wants to PM me info about residency or intern programs and experiences, I would really appreciate your input!