Length of er orientation?

MassED, BSN, RN · May 6, 2009

Its a level 2 and they see about 75,000 per yr. I have no prior hospital experience and have only worked in a ltc for a few years which is as far opposite you can get from er! I am apprehensive because Ive been reading 6 months everywhere is ideal but it's been quite some time since ive graduated and jobs are VERY scarce in NY right now so I feel lucky to have been offered the position. I accepted the job offer today. Though im ridiculously nervous im so excited !!

congratulations. Be prepared to jot things down, ask questions (at appropriate times, not smack dab in the middle of a trauma), read up, take classes that provide more info (TNCC, PALS, ACLS).... if you feel you need more in a certain area, voice that. Ask for more trauma, more CPR's, more code AMI's, whatever you feel you want more experience in. That's a huge jump from LTC to ER. Keep your mind open, your mouth shut, and try to smile - you'll have some nurses who will be on you from the moment you start, that's the nature of the beats, unfortunately. Be confident - ask their advice if they seem to be nit picky, as that can bring a strong nurse down a notch. They could be your best ally in a bad situation. Good luck!

bjaeram · May 8, 2009

Wow those are some crazy long orientations compared to what I'm used to. I've worked in our level 2 trauma center for 8 years now and our policy has not ever changed.

New hires get 10 days on the non critical side. You then work independantly there for about 6 months or so. Then you get one day of classroom and 10 more days with a preceptor on the trauma/critical side. That's it. 20 shifts on the floor and one in the classroom.

I do like the idea of floating around. That's a great way to learn and get perspective from other people/depts.