Has anyone done NP fellowship/residency?

[FamNP123]

Hello all,

I am set to be done with NP school this July (that is if I finish all my clinical hours by then). I would like more clinical hours and training as I do not feel my program was very rigorous and I want to be as prepared as possible entering into an NP position. I know that many jobs have great trainings for new NPs, but I know with the job market condition, I may only be able to apply to positions that to not offer that (thrown into seeing too many patients too soon, or having no direct oversight). 

I am looking at doing a year residency or fellowship. I live in Michigan, where there are not any offered other than a psych and hospice/palliative care at U of M, which I am not interested in either. Most are out of state, which require an RN and NP license in that state. Is it difficult to get RN and NP licenses in different states, and would it be worth it just to do a residency/fellowship for one year? I would likely not live/practice in that state after as my family is here in Michigan, but would be willing to move away for one year for this experience.

There is alos many options for post-masters certs. However, I am less inclined as I am not sure what the quality and practicality of this would be in terms of further clinical experience, education and skills (ie is it worth is other than extra letters to my name or just a way for schools to receive more money?). I don't know the quality of these, but I know they do help NPs broaden their scope, but I would want one that further prepares me in primary care. Plus these would not get me practicing and making income sooner, and would add to my school payments.

Any input would be great. The other option would be to hold out until I can find a job that would give me a formal training as a new grad and understands my limitations as a new grad NP. I am not sure how difficult these are to find. Thankfully I can still work as a nurse and would have income during this time, but I know waiting too long is not ideal in terms of retaining clinical and educational knowledge gained in school (although I would study and review while applying). I know some new NPs get the great opportunity to essentially complete an informal residency with a physician or NP after graduation either through connections or pure luck. Not sure how I could make this possible or seek this out. 

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

I have also looked, but at you mention, these opportunities are hard to come by in most areas. I think I'm just going to end up targeting jobs that I know have a well established orientation period and program for new NPs. A post-master's certificate, depending on the school, will not necessarily provide any skill based instruction. My MSN in leadership and management, so my post master's cert in AGACNP has been completely different, but didn't really have a large skill component. Good luck!