Residency Programs

If you are under the age of, let's say 28, I think you might be a little crazy. Without at least a year or so of nursing (med-surg, critical care) where you are dealing with a variety of disease processes, not many hospitals are going to want to hire you once you get back from your volunteer stint. I would also wonder how useful you would be as a volunteer without a really well-rounded background in nursing. Why not find out how much of a commitment would be required before nixing the idea. If you could get an extra year or two of solid training, you would be very valuable in the field and more hireable if you decide to get a paid job. Just my 2 cents there.

Uh the whole point of the residency is to groom you to work at a hospital. That would be a tremendous slap in the face. Even more so, it would be a hit to your wallet more than likely. Our new grads in the residency now have to sign a year commitment to work and if they fail or break that contract, they owe the hospital $5k.

Why not go volunteer THEN come back and apply for a residency?

First off, thanks for the honest responses- that's exactly what I was hoping for. I'm 24 and do realize I'd be a more valuable nurse abroad with some experience under my belt. I didn't know about the contract and huge fee if you break it. I'm trying to decide whether to volunteer first, then try to find a job, or the other way around. But if I volunteer first, I would not be eligible for "new grad" residencies when I got back.

most residencies require 1 year of work, thats not too bad if you want to take off abroad.