[sunny2007]

Our grad program is for a whole year. We have 3 rotations through different areas (generally a medical ward, surgical ward and a mental health ward). at the begining of each roation we have 1 week working with our preceptors and then we are on our own but with more support if we need it. It was a good program

[ABJS]

I went from working as a CNA at a rehab hospital to an LPN in a long term care facility pretty much overnight. My orientation at the long term care facility was approximately 24 hours!

[Cay]

Orientation is 6 weeks for a new Grad. Not long enough!!!

[kathi yudin]

i am don at a ltc facility.. our orientation is 30 days.. however.. we have kept new nurses on longer then that.. also.. while they may be off of orientation.. they always have their mentor near them and we don't expect them to know everything for as much as a year..!!

[BumblebeeRN]

6 weeks is the average here in south florida

[Polly Dipcya]

I had 4 weeks which included: 2 days general orientation that all employees get, 1 day reading Policy and Procedures manuals, and one day on the computer. Which really gave me 16 actual days on the floor. (M/S) I was paired up with a different nurse every day. Some good some bad. Some that didn't want to be bothered training a "newbie." It sucked. Every nurse had her own system, and I tried to take the best that each nurse had to offer, but it was difficult because I was so green and didn't really know how to budget my time efficiently. I was overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork. I had no idea nurses had to put in admission orders, put the chart together, write out med req forms, write out our kardex's. Nursing school stress the dreaded care plan, but that is nothing compared to being my own wc. We also had to do the dismissal forms and instructions etc.We only get a ward clerk on first or second shift if the census warrants it. Midnights never have a wc and its about 50-50 if we get a cna. I work in a small hospital and its all about $$$$. Needless to say the staff is burned out. I used to come home crying. I've been at this job 9 months and sticking it out because I want the med/surge experience to get my feet wet. I need to develop my skills etc. Also I figure orientation for a brand new nurse is hard and stressful everywhere.

[S.T.A.C.E.Y]

My provincial government now has a plan, where hospitals are paid to hire me for I think its three months and give me an orientation as extra staff. Then at the end, if they decide to hire me FT after this initial trial orientation phase, the government pays the hospital another three months of my wage--but I dont think we have to be extras after that. It varies unit to unit, but now all new grads have a minimum of three months. Because I'm in the ER, I was given the full six months as an extra person.

[learnN2bnurse]

I just finished my new grad orientation. Where I am, Med-Surge or any other non critical care unit is 5 months and ICU, tele, and ER is 10 months.

[loriangel14]

I work in a complex continuing care hospital and as a new grad you get 10 days officially but there is ongoing support from all staff.

[gradRN2007]

Hi
My orientation to an IMCU floor as a new grad was 6 months but really at 5 I was on my own pretty much. Love the staff and everyone is always helpful and reminding me to ask if I need help. I had an EKG/phlebotomy class in that time for 1 week and a 2 week basic arrythmia class (both paid for by work and at the community college). I will be at my 1 year at the end of April but get to go to the ICU class, which you are usually not sent to till your are there one year(ECHO class) for the month of Feb. monday thru friday for 4 weeks, pretty cool I think!!
I had a great preceptor and my clinical manager is the best. I also oriented and trained soley on nights since that was the schedule I wanted. I did 2 days on day shift to learn discharges, and experience cardiac cath lab.
I think on the regular floors the orientation is 3 months, but I am not sure.
LOVE my job and nursing. I worked in the lab at the samw hospital for 25 years.