I graduated from nursing school and have been a private duty nurse for 7 years. No hospital experience. I would like to work in the hospital setting. Should I do a refresher course or a residency program? I reside in Maryland.
All Maryland hospitals have resident programs. When you interview ask to be in NRP even though you’ve been a nurse for a while tell them you need that support while transitioning to acute care.
I would suggest the residency program as you would learn everything to the hospital's standards.
I would suggest a residency program. As a private duty nurse, you have skills and critical thinking ability. A residency program could be helpful while simply sitting in a classroom will not give you acute care critical thinking training. Hospitals have orientation programs. Every nurse comes into the hospital with a certain amount of baseline knowledge and clinical experience. As you orient to whatever hospital unit you are hired for, you will build on your personal foundation just like every nurse did before you. A refresher class is likely broad and nonspecific. It also will not create the emotional aspects of nursing like actual bedside experience does.
Our profession keeps running back to the classroom and I truly think it's a mistake. I was once told to get a year of experience at a lower acuity hospital or take a nursing refresher and reapply after a year FOR THE SAME POSITION I HAD HELD FOR 4 YEARS earlier in my career. Nobody has successfully convinced me that a different facility can prepare me for the same position I was prepared for a winning awards in. A refresher class would not teach me to put in IV lines in babies. Same thing goes for the BSN. I have a Bachelors that I got before my AASN. Going back to school to retake classes I already have taken is absurd. These issues are making it harder to find jobs.
Experience will be your best teacher. I don't think you need a refresher or residency program. you need a good unit with an exceptional preceptor and mentor. Find that and you will be well on your way to successful acute care nursing!
It depends on your skill set. Most hospitals will consider you for med/surg and some facility do offer internships or residencies in some of the areas.
That's a good idea. The field of healthcare is constantly changing. You've been a bit isolated. Alternatively, Med Surg is pretty general and sold help you get back on your feet. Explain to the recruiter. Ask questions about precepting and your orientation.
I believe the residency program will adequately prepare for bedside care.
I would just apply! Hospitals need you and they will orient new nurses anyway to their unit. Go for it.
