Looking for input on Sentera and Bon Secours hospitals in VA

[2617wal]

Hello!

I am starting to look at hospitals in VA I would like to work at once I graduate nursing school and I am debating between Sentera and Bon Secours. They both seem like good hospital systems to work for. I was wondering if anyone had any information about working for either system as a new graduate or what anyone else has heard or knows about working for them.

I know Sentera has a new graduate program, I have seen anything online about Bon Secours having one.

Thanks!

[em3120]

I've heard better things about Bon Secours than Sentara. Bon Secours does have positions available for new grads. I'm in the same boat though looking in the VA area!

[avotoasted]

Hi! I'm a new grad who started working at Sentara last September. I will say right now that the "new grad residency program" here is kind of BS - it's a rehash of best practices, some seminars, and you start working on an evidence-based project. The residency may not even coincide with your start date. I started my residency program about a month after I finished orientation. Side note: orientation at Sentara is about 10-12 weeks (longer if you go into OR, obviously). One thing I like about the residency program is the opportunity to chat with new grads from other departments.

I don't know anyone who works at Bon Secours, so I can't really give a comparison as to which is "better" but I will say that Sentara does a really good job with front-loading your hospital orientation - really basic refresher skills days in your first 2-3 weeks. The rest of course comes with time. Unit dynamics also plays a huge role. I was fortunate enough to have awesome, supportive preceptors. Even now, when I have questions, I know I can always ask the more experienced nurses and my charge without feeling dumb or belittled. Another big thing to consider is what specialty you want to get into! If you like cardiac, Sentara Heart Hospital is the best way to go. (Not that I'm biased )