Nurse residency programs?

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Hi!

I will be graduating next May from a 4-year BSN program. I'm starting to think about where I want to apply and what area I would like to work in. I am questioning whether or not I should do a nurse residency program or just try to jump into a new job. On one hand, I know that these programs can be very long and I definitely want to start applying to graduate schools (to be a FNP) in the near future. I go to a great school and have had much clinical experience along with doing a nursing internship this summer. On the other hand, I know that these residency programs give you a good chance of getting hired. Any advice? I appreciate it!

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Nurse residency program are offered twice per year. It depends on where you are. You can sign up for that program in june or July since you will be done with school in May. Starting looking next year.

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Thanks for the post but that doesn't really answer my question. Anyone else have any insight? :)

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

What do YOU mean by a "nurse residency program?" That expressions means different things in different settings. In some places, it's just a fancy name for an orientation program that is designed for new grads, being a little longer and having a few extra classes and couseling included. It's simply the way the bring new grads on board and not that big of a deal.

In other places, the residency may be significantly different from other types of orientation -- and may involve some obligation on the part of the new grad orientee. For example, the new grad may have to sign a contract to work for a specified length of time or repay some of the costs of the program, etc. That's a whole different story.

Getting some extra attention in your orientation as a new grad is usually a good thing, but if it comes with strings attached, you should be sure you know what you are getting into before signing on the dotted line.

So ... what exactly do you mean by "residency?" You may need to do some investigating of the specific programs you are talking about before you can make a decision.

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On the other hand, I know that these residency programs give you a good chance of getting hired. Any advice? I appreciate it!

What do you mean by this statement? When you are in the Nurse Residency Program you are already hired at the hospital. Like the person above me said..its a way to orient the new grads to the hospital and it is a transition from student to nurse professional.Its a tailored orientation with support and mentors in certain places. Some programs you have to do a project at the end and they usually last about one year. I start a residency program in September. I can't tell you how it is but I like the idea of it because I am not being thrown in there and will have support and mentorship as a new grad. Definitely look more into it and research so you know if you want to do it or not. Good luck!!

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Well, I suppose that everyone will have different things to say since not all nurse residency programs are the same. I do not know too much about these programs (they do not seem to be very prevalent in PA/OH), but I have done a little research. I have seen that these programs range from 12-24 weeks, can either be paid or unpaid, and I am under the impression that they do not always guarantee a full-time position at the hospital. I surely think that it would be a great way to build my skills and confidence, but it all depends on the specifics of the program. So I am still unsure if I want to pursue it. Thanks everyone for the replies!

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The term 'nurse residency' is used in different ways at different facilities. I would encourage the OP to really look into the types of programs at the places in her area.

At UVa's Medical Center, the residency is a 50-week program open to BSN graduates only. The first 4-6 months of the program are protected time with one mentor for that period. There are also classes over the full course of the program, and residents are engaged in an evidence-based practice project in the later 6 months of the program. All participants are regular employees, and at the end of the program submit their portfolios for promotion to Clinician II. They participate in the UHC residency program (University HealthSystem Consortium is comprised of several dozen academic medical centers: AACN/UHC Nurse Residency Program)

I have seen the term "residency" to be used at another facility for something that looks like an internship with the duties resembling that of a glorfied PCA/PCT. At the end of the residency, the top half of the class would be offered regular positions as a RN; the other half are let go.

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There are two types of residencies:

1.) Residency program for new grads at a hospital can be either paid/unpaid.

2.) Residency program for new grads that are having a hard time finding jobs at Universities like CSUEB or Samuel Merritt's residencies. These are basically where you practice as a RN to keep up your skills and in exchange the hospitals get free labor. I think the second choice is ridiculous because if you're giving yourself as free labor, then why pay someone to fill that position?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I specifically looked for a residency program beginning in february. Each program detailed what they expected from me and what I would get from them. And each of them are paid positions.

I used the AACN website.

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I know this is an old thread, but for those digging into the blog vault for guidance and/or information, I wanted to submit my two cents.

I've just been hired on at a newly erected facility (built within the last couple years), but a very old institution. My job title is Nurse Resident. I am a new grad nurse, and the position is contingent upon my passing state boards to obtain licensure. To make no bones about it, I will be an RN in this position. The position is paid. The program is 18 months, with 6-month rotations on three different units, culminating in a FT position in critical care (yes, guaranteed) once I have completed the three rotations.

In this particular type of residency, it appears that the goal is to mold me into a well-rounded nurse for the critical care setting.

PP have made residency programs out to be sub-standard, bottom-of-the-barrel, last-ditch opportunities for new grads trying to get their little nursey feet wet.

Please, scratch the surface. I'm sure there are many more residency programs out there similar to the one I've been hired into, which are designed to prime you with a solid foundation of nursing care for a plethora of patient cases from multiple backgrounds.

I am both thrilled and humbled to be offered such a position.

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