New Grad working in a non-new grad job. What to expect?

[NightWatch]

I've been applying exclusively to new grad positions with no success so far. I've noticed quite few non-new grad positions that don't require any work experience. What's it like to work a regular RN job? Is it a brief orientation period and then you're expected to be proficient on your own?

I feel like I'm OK at nursing assessments and skills. For much of clinical/externships, I just followed my primary RN around and did tasks with her. But for other things like charting, working with lab/doctors/PT, knowing when to call other departments, and other non-patient care centered tasks I'm not 100% familiar with. Would you recommend that I just stick to new grad programs or branch out into regular RN posts?

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

Not sure about where you are located, but where I am there are 3 residency programs and they are all close to impossible to get into, so most of my class got "regular" RN jobs. If you are at a reputable facility, you will have a rather long orientation (mine was 3 months) and even when you are on your own, you will be able to get help from the nurses that you work with. If they are willing to hire a new grad, they have to be willing to train.

I applied for every RN position I could find that didn't require 1 year experience.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Formal residency programs are very costly. Most employers simply cannot afford them any longer. But, if an employer is willing to hire a new grad, they know what type of support is needed and are capable of providing it. Likewise with the hiring manager. Rather than moving everyone along in a 'one size fits all' program, they will have a more customized approach. It may actually be a much better experience than a highly structured residency program.