What Is a Nursing Residency Program?

Nurses graduating from nursing school face a choice: They can apply for entry-level RN jobs or continue their training with a nurse residency program.

These programs offer clinical and professional development training for new RNs.

But is a nurse residency program right for you? There are pros and cons of applying to residency programs. While the option can help you pursue specialty or leadership roles, it can also mean a heavier workload and lower pay.

Nurse residency programs, also called nursing residency programs, offer focused clinical training for recent graduates.

Most programs last one year and provide specialized training for RNs. Although nurse residency programs typically take place at hospitals, other healthcare settings may also offer these programs.

During a nursing residency program, you’ll work closely with a mentor and a cohort of residents. You’ll take nursing classes focused on leadership and professional development while also working in clinical settings.

Nurse residency programs pay residents. Some include a contractual obligation to work at the healthcare facility after you complete your residency.

Consider the following factors when looking for nursing residency programs to apply to.

Nurses should always choose an accredited nursing program. But does accreditation matter for nursing residency programs specifically?

The answer is yes!

In addition to accrediting nursing degree programs, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits nurse residency programs. These programs meet high standards for training nurses.

Use the CCNE database to find accredited nursing residency programs near you.

Most nurse residency programs last around one year. Nurses typically enter the program in a cohort and make progress as a group. Many programs admit new cohorts multiple times a year.

Check with specific programs to learn more about their length and admission process.

RNs take courses during a nursing residency program while completing clinical training with a mentor. Most programs incorporate classes on nursing leadership and patient outcomes. Residents may also complete professional development training.

Be sure to check the curricula of specific programs to see what they cover.

Nurse residency programs prepare early-career RNs for specialized roles. Many of these nursing specialties only hire experienced RNs, so a residency program can prepare you for a high-paying nursing career in less time.

Research programs by specialization to learn more.

Residency programs typically take place at hospitals. And hospitals across the U.S. offer these programs.

Before applying to residency programs, however, consider location. Completing a residency can help you find jobs within that hospital system, so your program’s location can matter for future career opportunities.

Typically, a nurse residency program lasts one year; however, some programs run as short as six months.

During a residency program, you’ll work closely with a mentor and gain specialty clinical training. You’ll also work with a cohort of other residents to sharpen your decision-making and problem-solving skills.

These programs incorporate classes focused on leadership, patient care, and professional development. Nurse residency programs pay nurses and prepare them for specialized roles. Many of these programs are highly competitive and only admit a small number of residents each year.

Nurse residency programs train recently graduated RNs. Most programs admit nurses after they earn an associate or bachelor’s in nursing.

Residency programs often target nurses with limited RN experience. For example, some programs only admit nurses with less than a year of nursing experience.

In contrast, a fellowship normally trains nurses with more experience, including advanced practice nurses. Nurse practitioners may complete a fellowship after graduating from a master’s or doctoral program, for instance.

Fellowships may also admit experienced nurses interested in training in a new specialty area.

Nursing residency programs are a smart choice for nurses interested in specialty roles. These programs help recent graduates gain specialized clinical training. They also emphasize leadership and professional development.

During a residency, you’ll work with a mentor who guides your clinical training and professional development. You’ll also get paid for your work and get the opportunity to work at the healthcare facility after completing your residency.

That said, some RNs prefer to apply for entry-level roles rather than pursuing a residency. These nurses may receive a higher starting salary than what residency programs offer.

Yes, a nurse residency program counts as clinical experience. During a residency program, RNs work in clinical settings under the supervision of a mentor. They also take classes emphasizing patient care, nursing leadership, and professional development.

Many residency programs provide focused training in specialty areas like critical care, emergency care, or pediatrics. Nurses gain experience in these fields while earning a paycheck.

After a residency program, you can continue to work in this specialized role. A nurse residency program can also help you choose a focus area for a graduate program in nursing.