[nurselearner]

Hi, I will be starting my career with hospice as a per diem nurse. I will be orienting 2-3 days per week (is this enough??). For others who are per diem how long did it take to feel that you had enough orientation to fly solo? What is your experience being per diem vs part or full time? And how often do you work?

Thanks for any insight -
Delta

[req_read]

Just on the face of it I would say that just because a nurse works less often it would not follow that s/he would need to know less about the job. Orienting for only 2-3 days/week sounds like you’ve signed on with a cheap outfit. I have never worked in a place where a part-time orientation was provided for nurses hired in part-time positions.

[100%hospicenurse]

I worked per diem, but ended up doing 40 hours a week when I started. Most hospices seem to use per diem nurses to lighten the load for busy full-time case managers, or to see pts. when case managers are on vacation or sick. You will need a full-fledged orientation, but will probably not have the full responsibility of "managing" or "care-planning" for the pts. you see. We have a per-diem nurse now who carries a caseload. It can be done part-time, if you want to do it. I think orientation time is very individual. If you need more time, ask for it. And seek out nurses on the staff who you can call if you have questions. There's a lot of learning on the job with hospice, and you shouldn't feel alone out there. Good luck.

[nurselearner]

Thanks 100%. I will be orienting 3 days per week - my request due to my schedule. My manager has left it open ended as to how long that will take. And I will be attending the weekly team meetings so I can meet and learn how all the different team members work together. Everyone seems to be totally supportive. I received my orientation manual which is great - divided into sections on family, pain management etc and she has told me they have a catalogued "library" of books and articles I can borrow. I start next week. Thanks for your support.
Delta