New Grad Residency Programs

LV3677 · Jul 6, 2015

Check out this link for a list of residency programs.

https://allnurses.com/nursing-career-advice/all-the-nurse-419156.html

First of all, what specialty do you want to pursue? Pediatrics/ER/ICU/OB/Medical/Onc/OR/etc? Narrow it down a little. That should help in picking out what residency programs to apply to.

In addition, are you limited in your location? Can you pick up and move anywhere or would you prefer to stay where you are? Narrow down your location.

Many require a BSN, so that will narrow it down as well.

Many require a contract- usually 2-3 years after a 6-9 month training program.

Many residency programs have early applications- sometimes as early as a January deadline for a July cohort. It's awesome to be planning now so you know when those application windows are available.

Next- get that resume and cover letter polished. If you can do any volunteer work/certifications/whatever before sending in your resume, that's awesome.

Have the career center at your school look over your resume and cover letter. You want to stand out! They are a great resource.

Get your letters of recommendation early. I got mine several months in advance; wanted to make sure I had them ready and that the professors/directors had enough time to prepare them. I also got 4, not 2, so I had a couple to chose from- I used professors and current/past directors.

Personalize your applications; call the company to know to whom you should address your cover letter. Expect to send in 2-3 letters of recommendation, cover letter, resume, examples of your work, and transcripts. Oh, and turn those applications in as early as you can. Do not wait until the deadline listed online.

I think it's great that you're planning now. I recently accepted a position in an ICU residency program, so I've gone through the application/interviewing process- please let me know if you have any questions.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jul 6, 2015

Thank you for your detailed post!

I honestly have no preference as to what unit/location. I am extremely flexible, single and no kids, as well as a fast learner! I would prefer a unit that could give me a general, well-rounded experience, as I would like to keep my options open in the future. I did look at those previous threads, but many of the new grad programs are post-BSN, which eliminated a good chunk. I figured that there has probably been several new programs established since then, and I was hoping some current nurses in the programs or who have completed the program could suggest some good facilities.

I've been looking at the review of the facilities themselves, but I'm not sure how accurate those reviews as many of the unhappy people tend to post comments more often than those with positive experiences. And congrats on your new position! That must be so exciting! I'm still in the early stages of looking at the programs (not applying yet), so there is still lots of research that I need to do. I will be sure to let you know if I have any more questions.

kariace · Jul 6, 2015

I did look at those previous threads, but many of the new grad programs are post-BSN, which eliminated a good chunk.

I know what you mean. All the new grad residency programs where I live are all BSN required with no prior RN work experience. So I do feel like individuals with an ADN are not given much to work with in terms of being successful.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jul 6, 2015

I know what you mean. All the new grad residency programs where I live are all BSN required with no prior RN work experience. So I do feel like individuals with an ADN are not given much to work with in terms of being successful.

Exactly! And I would like to gain the confidence and knowledge that the residency programs have to offer, but with many hospitals aiming for magnet status these days, my choices are very limited. Well, back to researching..

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jul 6, 2015

Are you close to Indy? That's where I'm going to start looking. I'm looking to move to the south side after I graduate next year. That's where my boyfriend and his family are. We talked that even if I had to work on the north side for a few years we would make that work too. Indy has so many more opportunities. But I wasn't sure if maybe you were northwest up by Chicago.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jul 6, 2015

Are you close to Indy? That's where I'm going to start looking. I'm looking to move to the south side after I graduate next year. That's where my boyfriend and his family are. We talked that even if I had to work on the north side for a few years we would make that work too. Indy has so many more opportunities. But I wasn't sure if maybe you were northwest up by Chicago.

I'm near South Bend, so no, not Indy area. I'm actually hoping to move out of IN. I've been here long enough haha. I'm looking in Chicago area, and I actually found a few residency programs that accept RNs who graduated with ASNs. I'm looking basically in every state (yes, even IN) and will be weighing my options as I hear back. Are you thinking of applying to a residency program as well?

blackribbon · Jul 6, 2015

I am in a new grad residency program...but I didn't apply to this but rather was put in it upon being hired. I am a huge magnet hospital and only have my ADN. While I do have a BS in another field, I know I recommended a classmate with no degree except her ADN and she was hired too. I guess my employment is contingent on completing the steps required in this program (passing the NCLEX which I had done before being hired, attending monthly classes (4 hours) for a year, and completing whatever evaluations are required for my floor). It is a valuable program and I am glad I am in it...I just wish they would recognize that most new grads work the night shift and stop scheduling all the trainings during the hours I usually am asleep. I am tired of having 24 hour days if I had to attend a training on a day I was also scheduled to work that night.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jul 6, 2015

That's good to hear! If you don't mind me asking, what state is your residency program in?

blackribbon · Jul 6, 2015

The top rated hospital in the state of Michigan.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jul 6, 2015

Adding MI to my list of states to look through :) Thanks for sharing your experience.

LV3677 · Jul 8, 2015

More than happy to help! Check out Utah as well for residency programs. I hear they will hire ADN for new grad positions.

Save up some money to fly to interviews and such. Some hospitals will pay for it, but most will not. You are in a great position because you are able to go anywhere!