Options after Nursing School?

[SU Redhawk]

So I hear a lot of things that people do after NS and I was wondering if someone could explain it all to me. Correct me if I'm wrong on any of this, but I've heard about internships, externships, residencies, etc. What does it all mean? How do I start one of those programs? Why should I do one of those? Any help is much appreciated!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Glad to help you out!

Those programs (residencies, internships, etc) are all different varieties of programs offered by hospitals. The purpose is generally to provide new graduates with a controlled environment in which they will develop the competencies needed to assume independent practice. A big plus - you are usually paid a 'normal' salary while you are in the training program.

In the "old days", all new grads started out in Med Surg, but we have discovered that it doesn't hurt anything to jump right into a specialty if the training program is adequate. Program length varies - for instance it is not unusual for perioperative programs to be 6 months to a year - but Med Surg internships may only be 12 weeks.

Start by contacting nurse recruiters in the hospitals that interest you. They can tell you all about the programs they offer.

Good luck & happy hunting!