I am a recent BSN graduate and have been actively applying to residency programs. However, I have yet to receive an offer, and I am beginning to feel discouraged. I want to ensure that I stand out as a strong candidate. What steps should I take?
Why not just skip the residency program? When I started 20 years ago there was no such thing. Take a med-surg job and after 6 months do an internal transfer anywhere you want to in the hospital. Internal applicants get 1st dibs on the good jobs, you get to apply a week before the job is released to the public. Also the time management skills you acquire in Med-Surg will stay with you long after you transfer to your more desirable location.
Take courses in all certification areas that you will need for the floor anyways, ex; BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, etc. Apply to other positions outside of residencies at teaching hospitals. I know ideally a residency would be more beneficial, but if you are hired at a teaching hospital, you will also get a good training. Practice scenario interview questions, tell me about a time you were faced with a conflict etc. Make sure you have a cover letter to introduce yourself when you are applying to these jobs. Don't give up! There are so many areas of nursing where we need you, it might just take sometime. Good Luck!
New grad here. Similar position as you. But I did manage to get 2 job offers out of 60 applications. You'll have to open up your search and availability. I wanted new grad programs too and I gave up on that real quick. Be willing to travel be flexible.
One of my offers is 136 miles away. The job is great (in the ER), but it's so far. I made arrangements with family to stay with them until I get settled (if I get the job). The other is closer to my city but its long-term med surg, which is not what I want, but its experience so I'll take it if I have to. Keep trying. Good luck
Get some RN experience at least a year then apply.
Sign up for professional organizations in area of preference, get certified in ACLS, NRP, PALS to show potential employers your commitment & get to know others already working in the field-many facilities open classes to non-employees-reach out to Nurse Educater in field of interest
Residency program is not the only option & more likely you will not get it as there are so many applicants.I started as a post acute facility nurse & work my way up to big hospital. I am so glad I had that experience. I gained very good time management skills. Gaining experience is the key, not getting into residency.
M
Hello. Don't worry, the market needs you and offers will come! Take time to create a CV that stands out. Get creative and share a personal mission. If you know what your goal is ( what type of nursing you feel attracted to) don't be afraid to state it. That may not be the area you will be initially hired into, but it shows that you are driven.
I would get a job as a nurse extern (if they have that in your area) or work as a care partner (or CNA) on a unit that you want to work on. I worked in ICU, left with my LPN and then started working ICU on the same unit that I was a care partner on when I received my RN. It was because I had that connection prior that I was able to get that job.
Honestly unless you already have some hospital experience as a tech/cna/lvn theres really nothing you can do short of nailing the interview if you get one. Dress overly formal is always a good idea in that regard btw. I’ve received multiple jobs i was. On the low end of qualified for because i was in a suit and ive been told as much by my manager multiple times. It might also help to remember that there are way more new grads then residency spots so you shouldn’t necessarily expect to get in to one.
The only way to get an interview if you are a new grad is wait until someone has a spot in their residency program or start working there as a cna. If not you have to attend their job fairs, take your resume. I got a job after I took resume to hr and said listen I’m worthy. Go to the hospital and go to public cafeteria. Look at the nurses you see and after spotting a friendly one ask if she knows how to shadow on pcu unit prior to applying or OR or cath lab. It’s has always been hard unless your in the system and like a secretary on the unit or a tech.
Have you considered a certificate program at the local community college that has a preceptorship as part of the program? You can usually choose which facility you’d like to go to & from there your foot is in the door.
For Example: BSN- take Peri Operative Nurse course at local community college- choose your preferred facility as your clinical/preceptorship site- you may be offered a position in that dept; either way, your foot is in the door.
