New Grad Residency Programs: What is it?

[mangosoccer11]

Hi,

I have been suggested by other members of allnurses.com to look into a New Grad Residency Program because I am a new Registered Nurse with hardly any medical experience (I haven't worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant). I also do not feel confident in my abilities.

Can anyone explain what a New Grad Residency Program is? And can anyone suggest where I should look for these programs? Do most hospitals have a New Grad Residency Program?

I have a few student nurse friends that have told me to "bite the bullet" and get a job at a nursing home, but I'm afraid if I work at a nursing home, they will throw me to the wolves (AKA no orientation and they throw me out to work on the floor).

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you,

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

It's easing new grads into the job with continued education, support and training. Many of the programs that I have been looking into are 6 months-1 yr. A lot of them offer the salary of an RN, but you often have to sign a contract that you will work 1-2 yrs with the facility after you complete the program.

A Google search or Indeed.com can list hospitals that have a residency program, since not hospitals offer it.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I went through a new grad residency where I work now. I had a year of orientation and 6 months of a 1:1 preceptor. I had to sign a 2 year contract. It also included monthly classes for a year.

I loved it. I am on a specialty floor, ortho, and I got to learn a lot more in a shorter time. If you can into one, go for it!!! Most of the bigger systems offer them.

[Natasha, RN, BSN]

Some new grad residency's only last 2 months... not nearly long enough, in my humble opinion. But there are obviously ones that last longer. Do your research as to which hospitals offer it, and what it entails. Typically it is additional education in the area with which you are hired, with training/support from your preceptor. Even when you are on your own, there is usually someone assigned as your "go to" person as even when you are off orientation, you will STILL have questions, which is perfectly normal and expected. You will typically need to sign a contract for a year or two, but I have known some hospitals to not require it.

[kalycat, BSN, RN]

Several hospitals in my region offer them, but they only open the applications once - twice per year (this does vary by facility). It's a little more time consuming, but what I would recommend is google searching the name of the hospital you're interested in plus "nurse residency" and hopefully you will pull up the general information page with details regarding specialties offered, application deadlines, etc.

There is a thread around here somewhere that claims to list all of the residencies in the country. The thing is, I've discovered that many of the hospitals in my region, who are just jumping on the residency bandwagon, are not listed. Also, sometimes they don't market the program very well and it just randomly pops up in their general job listings. If all else fails, try contacting recruiting for the hospitals you're most interested in. Residencies can also be a good way for a new grad to start out in a specialty area like ED, ICU, or OR. The biggest con is the frequent requirement of a contract or time commitment. It's worth it to have really identified your long term goals prior to getting committed. Good luck.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

I have compiled quite a hefty list. If you need help with getting started, feel free to PM me. I have them organized by states, if you're looking in specific locations (yes, I like to organize).

[llg, PhD, RN]

Don't limit yourself to just those employers who use the term "residency." A lot of hospitals offer "internships" for new grads ... or have "new grad orientations" that include all the same things that residencies have. Identify employers that interest you and then ask what kind of programs they have to help new grads make the transition from student to professional. It's the actual support they offer that counts, not what they label the program.