How did you get your RN Residency?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 8, 2017

Good morning and welcome to allnurses! I moved your post to the "first job hunt assistance" forum to help you get some responses. Good luck!

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 9, 2017

I started working on my resume and cover letter between my third and my last semester of nursing school. I researched all the residencies in my area and all the dates their applications opened and closed. I began writing cover letters catered to each facility. When applications began to open in January I was ready to apply ASAP. I got 6 interviews, and 2 offers.

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 9, 2017

Double posted somehow! Sorry.

kkbb, MSN, RN · Jul 11, 2017

Throughout school I would research the local hospitals about which ones had residency programs. I wrote down when some started and when applications were due. During my final semester I had my resume all ready, cover letters written, and applied. Volunteer work looks great on resumes, and having paid experience with patients doesn't hurt.

Forgive me if this sounds like I am talking down to you, but I used to be a hiring manager and it was amazing the crap I would see. So, be nice and excited when they call for an interview (don't sound like you are doing them a favor by coming in), when you arrive remember that EVERYONE is paying attention so be nice (I have asked front office how the person was while waiting), and always send a thank you note or email after your interview. Do your research before the interview about the hospital. Be able to talk about the hospital and reference it during the interview. Example: When they ask why you want to work there, you can say, "I love how there is housing available for the cancer patient families from out of state. This is a hospital that truly puts the patient at the center of their care!"

Aloysia · Jul 11, 2017

Hi guys. Thank you for the amazing tips! I really appreciate your responses and I do plan to implement them :)

contramanda · Jul 12, 2017

Just a tip I found helpful, keep a little document for yourself that reminds you of situations that occurred during clinical. That way, when it's time to interview, you'll be able to remember clinical situations and will be better able to answer those "Tell me about a time when xyz happened...". I would go over my list when I was practicing for interviews and was able to actually recall times that I dealt with conflict, implemented an idea, had an unruly patient, etc.

browneyedgirl21 · Jul 12, 2017

Wow that's awesome!! Despite already passing the nclex .. I've had 2 interviews & zero offers . I'm getting really frustrated. I never thought it would be this hard to get a job in a hospital.