Questions about Colorado new RN residency

[Casper5915]

This is my first posting, so I hope I'm doing this right...

I am about to graduate from Wright State University in Dayton, OH with my BSN this Saturday, with my pinning ceremony on Thursday!! It's been a long time coming, that's for sure!!!

My husband is active duty military and he has been assigned to Buckley AFB in Aurora, CO. We are excited about the move, but I am a bit nervous about the process of transferring my license from Ohio to Colorado as soon as I take and pass the NCLEX sometime before we move in March 2012. I know Colorado is a compact state and Ohio is not, is there anything else I need to know about that process?

I also am looking for a nurse graduate residency near Aurora and Denver that I can apply for and start as soon as we get there. So far, I have found The University of Colorado which starts in February, which means I'd have to move ahead of my hubby...the app is due in two weeks. Others I have found tell me that I have to be hired on and then start their programs, but offer me no other info. I do know all these programs want me to have a Colorado license before I start their programs.I don't have a date for my nclex yet, so I'm worried that I can't get my license transferred quickly enough. Another thing the UofC wants is for you to be within 6 months of your graduation date when you start and not hold any RN positions in that time. Interviews are also held in December for which I'd have to fly in for.

I'm considering applying for as many programs and positions that I can before I move and see what happens. Does anyone have any advice for long distance job searching or getting into these residency programs??? It's really frustrating when all job positions state that you need a certain number of years experience, but how do you get it if no one will hire you?!? I think the residency programs are the way to go, any advice?

Any help is greatly appreciated!!!

[Flo., BSN, RN]

I moved out to CO as a new grad. It is extremely competitive to get into a residency program. I recommend expanding your search to include all hospitals and specialities. Denver/ Aurora is a great place to live. Good Luck!

[Casper5915]

I moved out to CO as a new grad. It is extremely competitive to get into a residency program. I recommend expanding your search to include all hospitals and specialities. Denver/ Aurora is a great place to live. Good Luck!

Hi Flo.,

Thanks so much for your reply!! I have searched nearly all the other hospitals in the area and they all seem to have similar programs. I have yet to hear back from half of them regarding details, dates, etc. I'll do more calling tomorrow to see if they can tell me more. :)

[Devie06]

My good friend graduated from Regis in Denver over a yeae ago in the top of her class and has not fou.d a job. Colorado is fiercely competitive, especially in Northern Colorado Good Luck!

[hgerun]

Hey! I graduated last year I am still in Fl though but my fiance is stationed at Buckley AFB!!! I will be moving there once I get a job! Good luck! PM with any questions you have...the base, Co, APts I am always up there!

[Casper5915]

Thanks so much hgerun!

I am working on my apps for the residency programs and other positions out there now! I can't wait to get there!

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

I hate to say it but your best bet is to get a year of job experience first. CO is glutted with new grads who can't break in. If you can get a new grad program then do it at all costs, they are very few and far between. They usually go to new grads from that school though. If you can get a job in OH I would start there and keep applying in CO. Good luck.

[Casper5915]

Hi nurse2033,

The only problem with getting a job in ohio is that most of the residencies dont want you to have a job before starting their programs and besides, my cohorts are only getting interviews so far, the place where I precepted isnt hiring either...