Being a new graduate nurse can be pretty overwhelming. Although you’ve had some experiences through your clinicals, it’s different being the primary caregiver of patients without having a preceptor to help you.
While classroom education is definitely necessary for the job, nothing can replace the critical thinking and problem solving skills you’ll develop once you’re out working in the field. Without the experience, it’s hard to apply everything you’ve learned in school while you’re actively trying to take care of your own patients.
Nurse residency programs provide a transition from being a nursing student to being an independently practicing nurse. These programs offer new nurses additional educational experiences and mentorship so that they can provide top-notch patient care with confidence.
This article discusses the benefits (and potential reservations) to consider if you’re thinking about applying for a nurse residency program. These programs are intensive, challenging, and competitive, so you’ll want to be sure you’re making the best decision for yourself when weighing your options.
Nurse Residency: Benefits
1. Opportunity to specialize
Do you dream of becoming a nurse in an intensive care unit or another specialty unit, such as psychiatry or oncology? In many cases, brand new nurses are not hired onto these units because they do not yet have the specialized skills and experiences needed to effectively care for these complex patients.
As part of a nurse residency program, you could have the opportunity to work directly with a nurse in your desired specialty. This will give you a competitive edge for being hired onto your preferred unit, and it will also provide you with the experiences you need to feel confident by the time you’re working independently. Think of it as a fast track to getting you where you want to be in your career.
2. Mentorship and support
One of the obvious benefits of completing a nurse residency program is that you’ll have a direct mentor to help you along the way. Nurse residents are also likely to develop friendships and professional connections with other residents in their cohort. Generally speaking, nurse residents tend to be high achievers who are motivated to succeed, so you’ll have opportunities to build relationships with other like-minded individuals.
Additionally, your mentor will help guide you through the experience so you can develop the skills you need to become an exceptional nurse. Mentors typically have a lot of experience in the field and will be able to help you develop your own clinical judgments. This one-on-one instruction is priceless, especially when you’re just entering your new field.
3. Additional educational resources
Nurse residency programs generally require residents attend additional educational seminars or courses to help further their nursing education. Sitting through a course probably sounds like the last thing you’d want to do when you just finished school, but these seminars will help you improve your skills and connect with other residents in your cohort. You’ll have access to evidence-based resources so that you can provide the best care for your patients.
4. Looks great on your resume
Nursing residency programs are competitive. You’ll have to complete an application, and you may also have to participate in an interview to even be considered for a spot. These programs are particular with which applicants they accept, making nurse resident positions highly coveted. Additionally, nurse residents tend to report higher job satisfaction, and they may have opportunities to work in their preferred areas of interest right out of school. Listing your residency on your resume will help you to stand out to future employers and add to your desirability as a job candidate.
Nurse Residency– Reservations:
1. Pay
Although you will be paid as a nurse resident, you may not make as much as your colleagues beginning their first year of nursing without a residency. This is because the extensive education and mentorship provided throughout the program serves as a portion of your compensation.
On the other hand, nurse residents can look forward to receiving raises after they complete their programs, and, technically, they are getting paid to continue their education. This is definitely a unique opportunity in the professional world. Most nurse residency programs also provide benefits similar to the benefits of full-time employees as well. Keep in mind that nurse residencies generally last around 6 to 12 months when considering your budget and what you expect to make.
2. Schedule
Another challenge of nurse residency programs is that you will have less autonomy with your schedule compared to other new graduates. This is because your work dates will need to align with your mentor’s schedule as much as possible, which may have you working shifts on particular days (or nights) that do not necessarily align with your personal life. This lack of flexibility may impact vacations and holidays throughout your term as a resident.
3. Commitments
Being a nurse resident involves commitments that are not usually expected of new hires. For example, nurse residents are required to participate in the additional educational seminars and discussions required by their program. They may also be required to sign a contract to work for the organization providing the residency program for a certain number of years following completion of the program.
This works out great if you get your dream job in your preferred hospital, but it can be a challenge if you end up disliking your place of work. Breaking the contract may result in fines and could even prevent you from being hired within the same company in the future.
Completing a nurse residency is definitely considered an honor, especially since these programs are competitive. While residency provides an opportunity to develop your skills and confidence as a new nurse, it also requires extra commitments that are not expected of new graduates who are not in residency.
If you’re considering a nurse residency, be sure to think about your goals, your ideal career path, and your plans over the next few years before making your decision. If you find a program that suits you and your goals, it could be just what you need to jump start your career!
