Residency or Best job I can find

[ApolloC, BSN, CNA, RN]

Soon to graduate, I am looking at jobs but am conflicted. I am an adult learner so the bills are piling up here but I want to do everything right. I want to do a residency so my skills are top notch but I suspect that a residency program will pay me less than what I would get at a regular RN post. What should I do?

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Residencies do not pay differently. RN pay is RN pay.

[cleback]

In my experience, residency programs don't necessarily focus on skills. Instead, they focus on career development activities, like getting participants involved in evidence based practice projects. It's good resume building activities, but honestly, you could get it through active participation in whatever unit you end up in.

For technical competence, look for employers that provide adequate orientation and decent staff:patient ratios.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

In my experience, residency programs don't necessarily focus on skills. Instead, they focus on career development activities, like getting participants involved in evidence based practice projects. It's good resume building activities, but honestly, you could get it through active participation in whatever unit you end up in.

For technical competence, look for employers that provide adequate orientation and decent staff:patient ratios.

I had a different experience in a new grad program. It was ALL about the clinical stuff...

[llg, PhD, RN]

For the long run ... you want to get your career off to the best start possible. That will lead to the best opportunities and career outcomes for your future. Don't compromise your future in order to gain a little money and convenience for just a few months.

Choose the job that will give you best foundation for long-term success. In many cases, that will mean a residency. Most residencies pay about the same as other jobs, so that shouldn't be much of an issue. Of course, there are some bad residencies out there -- and there are some hospitals that provide excellent new grad orientations that don't use the term "residency" to name their orientation. Don't fall for slick marketing of something called a "residency" but that doesn't actually offer anything extra or good.

Look at the specifics of each orientation program and at the staff development that happens after orientation is over to help staff continue to develop after over time. Then choose the job that includes the best and most comprehensive support.