To do an NP residency or not?

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I will be graduating this year from an FNP program. I feel that I am not yet ready to go out in the field and practice. I know that we are being trained to be entry level competent. Throughout this past year I have juggled the idea of doing an NP residency. Through conversations with my coworkers who are PA's, the discussed how they rotated through different specialties with their clinical hours and were allowed to choose a specialty of their decision for their final rotation. With my school, we have three adult rotations, peds, and OB. My only issue is that I took on whoever would accept me because finding a preceptor was difficult. Of course the patient population depends on what my preceptors mainly work with.

Thus far, I've done a pulmonologist and an urgent care (only because I had such a struggle finding a preceptor and my school allowed it). What I'm worried about is having the inability to find a job I want (I'm sure I won't get what I want initially). So, I have thought about doing an NP residency to at least give me 12-18 months of training so that when I do start applying, I'll have a good foundation upon which to work on. (I understand I'll have to do the state applications and such)

I've found threads on specific NP residencies, but most of them highlighted the application and acceptance processes.

I want to know who out there has done an NP residency, and what do they feel about the training. I've read reviews on the personal company websites, but I want an insider's opinion. Thanks in advance!

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I'm in the process of applying for some residencies/fellowships, and I am also interested in hearing an insider's perspective! Thanks!

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

If you can get into a residency program, by all means go for it. However, the application process for these programs is competitive because there are so few of them. In addition, you won't make much money during the residency.

For your first job, pick an employer that knows how to train and ramp up new grad NPs. I started at 6 patients per day and ramped up to a full load of 18 per day over 7 months. That allowed me ample time to ask questions, look things up, etc.

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AH, how I love the endless posts of new grads who feel incompetent and unready for practice. NP schools are doing SUCH a great job... Thank you CCNE!

You do realize that PAs and Physicians read these posts, correct? Posts like this are fodder for the "block and repeal FPA" mill.

Either do a residency and hope that you know what you're doing after that, or go back to bedside.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

It’s fine to do a residency. Another option is a practice or facility that offers a structured orientation.

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I would be very cautious with NP residency/fellowship. I am in one and many of the promises that were made were broken. I think some are excellent, but not all and certainly not one I am in (which is a prestigious one!).

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Specializes in Behavioral health.
31 minutes ago, NPfellow123 said:

I would be very cautious with NP residency/fellowship. I am in one and many of the promises that were made were broken. I think some are excellent, but not all and certainly not one I am in (which is a prestigious one!).

I hope you will share more of your story. Based on your experience, what things should we look for when looking at programs?

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I just wrote a post with some general advice. I hope it can help

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