Orientation question

[AprilRNhere]

What is normal in expectations for orientation? I got hired as a med/surg nurse with the expectation that I will eventually be the CCU relief. In the interview I made it known I was very intrested in that...but worried about being overwhelmed as a new grad. They assured me to not worry about it...because the last unit relief they trained stayed on med/surg for 2 years before they started to train her into CCU.

So...I start hospital orientation on tuesday. Today I got a letter in the mail saying I'm registered to start EKG training 3 weeks from yesterday. The training location is well over 3 hours from me..and start time is 7:45 am. I'm worried about this...first of all...I'll just be getting started in the hospital, and I'll either have to start driving a little after 4 am...or stay over. I absolutely cannot afford to stay overnight. I'd be leaving by 4:30 and not be getting back until after 7:30.

Is this normal or are they rushing things? Maybe this is just my reality shock starting out lol.

[devotchka]

Does you med/surg unit have telemetry or is there a separate unit for that? If they do, that is probably the reason for why they want you to have your EKG training sooner rather than later, because you may be working with patients who are on heart monitors before you actually go to work in the CCU.

What I don't understand is why your EKG training is so far away. The hospital doesn't offer anything closer? Have you tried explaining the situation? They may be able to help provide accommodations, especially since it is something they are requiring you to do.

Hope that helped a little!

~Michelle

[AprilRNhere]

They occasionally have someone on telemetry on med/surg...but they have someone staffed to watch the monitor or if CCU is slow they watch it and notify us.

I guess maybe for "just in case" since I may have a telemetry patient? I guess I figured even then...it could have waited a little while as I didn't think they'd assign me a telemetry pt right off the bat.

It's so far away because we live in extremely rural MN.

[AprilRNhere]

anyone else have any thoughts on this? Should I ask again at orientation what their plan is and make sure we're on the same page?

[Christie RN2006]

Do they want you to go to the training now because this is the only time they offer it for a while? It never hurts to ask what the plan is... and get it in writing! I was put into a EKG class right away since I work in the ICU. Their plan may be to get you into that class so that you can start taking tele patients if need be. Also ask if they can do any kind of reimbursement for your trip... such as paying for gas, etc.

[AprilRNhere]

Thanks.