What are the benefits of landing a GN program position if your already licensed?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Mar 30, 2015

Much will depend on what the eligibility requirements for that program is. If by GN you really mean "new grad", then having a license is irrelevant. Hard to picture a program designed exclusively for those who have graduated school but are not yet licensed; that seems counter-intuitive and probably even a waste of time (for the employer).

Check into the language of the program outline, see if what they are actually offering is a New Grad program option.

Beyond that, what you PLAN for licensing and when you WILL be licensed are two different things, so....be sure of what you are on the hook for in the end.

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 30, 2015

All the people in new grad programs already have their license. That is what they are designed for -- new graduates (with an RN license) who are transition from the student role to the professional nurse role. Such programs are usually designed to meet the special needs of new graduates -- and offer more support than a regular orientation designed for new employees who are already experienced nurses.

The only way to know if a specific new grad program is better than another orientation program is to compare the particular features of each program.

LoveaNurse5512 · Mar 30, 2015

They don't all technically have their license by the time they start the program. It actually states that one must have their license within 1 month of starting the program. However I'm sure different programs differ in their requirements. Back a few years ago when I worked as a CNA, I also remember a graduate nurse who had worked with us that was not licensed yet. There's just less things you can do until you are actually licensed of course. It also seems that a lot of places are beginning to do away with GN programs and this is one of the few places that still offers it in my area. However, I'm not so sure anymore that this is the route I want to go. Thank you guys for your input! It was greatly appreciated! ðŸ˜Š

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Mar 31, 2015

So you are basically doing a CNA job? Do you just do that until you get your license? I would thoroughly check it out and see when your scope of practice would expand.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Mar 31, 2015

Maybe I'm missing something, because the way I'm reading it, you'd be fairly NUTS to give up a spot in a new grad program (where you can get orientation designed specifically for the new nurse). Would you do away with that program in favor of just getting a job as an RN? Where you no longer have the benefit of a slower start, and potentially WAY better OTJ learning?

Seems like it's an opportunity to NOT pass up....but, like I said, maybe there's more to this than what you've posted.

Everline · Mar 31, 2015

I have never heard of a GN program/residency that is exclusively for those who don't have a license. Maybe I am misunderstanding something in your question. At any rate, whether to accept an offer in a new graduate program is up to your assessment of your needs. A new graduate program will usually give you a longer orientation period and extra educational and/or clinical training to help you along. Some even set up a mentorship program. Yes, it's true that you often have to sign a contract to stay for a certain amount of time and sometimes leaving would mean paying back the hospital, so it could be a difficult decision. You could look at it this way: You should stay at your first job for a couple of years anyway. And at that point, provided you've done well, you will be in a good position to get the job at the hospital you prefer. OTOH, you may feel you don't need a new grad program, at which point you might want to apply elsewhere. Good luck in your decision. I personally think new grad programs are a great opportunity.