[spaniel]

I am so very very pleased for you. Nontheless, what a heartache you had to endure. Even though LTC places are certainly not all the same, I do not believe it is a place for newer grads to work, for many reasons. Again, as I posted before I hope you try to go for a hospital with a very decent orientation and preceptorship. I really am saddened by stories,especially of new nurses, who have tried so very hard to get through school and are then slammed by a broken system. Again, congrats to you.

[shouldhavebeenanunRN]

no reimbursement, but I hear they want me back. I'd have to pursue through legal means to get back pay. No legal fees as I have malpractice insurance but didn't need it; as the BON threw it out during screening process seeing it was bogus!! If I ever get the opportunity to visit Israel I'll have to contact you for a tour of your facility and see how its done in your country. Blessings all!!

[indophillygirl]

Hi i am so sad to write this ... i got fired yesterday that was my 3rd day in the unit i have 3 months orientation period .. evryday i used to ask my preceptor i should i do to improve she was telling only one thing time mgt .. Is this the way to fire an orientee. the reson is that one patient thought i am un safe to provide care b coz i pricked her 2 times to take bgl and i exposed her abdomen to check her bowel mvmts .. i am devastated ..

[achot chavi]

Originally Posted by indophillygirl

Hi i am so sad to write this ... i got fired yesterday that was my 3rd day in the unit i have 3 months orientation period .. evryday i used to ask my preceptor i should i do to improve she was telling only one thing time mgt .. Is this the way to fire an orientee. the reson is that one patient thought i am un safe to provide care b coz i pricked her 2 times to take bgl and i exposed her abdomen to check her bowel mvmts .. i am devastated ..

Time management gets better with time, I am sorry about the unfair complaint- it is hard to build confidence and that takes time and experience, I hope you find a better job- have patience with yourself. Unfortunately most patients can smell a new nurse and look for mistakes.

[CapeCodMermaid]

Just a comment-
When I was a new nurse and worked in a hospital. I was told I would have 3 months of orientation. I had 3 hours on the IV pump they used and was sent to the floor for the rest of my orientation with 'a wonderful preceptor who has worked here for 25 years.' I got to the floor only to find that the wonderful preceptor was sick. The supervisor strolled over to me and said "well, you're in charge." I told her it was my first time on the floors and she said, 'You're the one with RN after her name...deal with it" and she walked away. I dealt with it fine because I had been well prepared in my hospital based school....
Fast forward...now I'm a DNS at a SNF. All new grads get 4-6 weeks of orientation...classroom and on the units. If someone has only ever worked in a hospital or has taken more than a few years off from nursing, we consider them new grads and they get the long orientation as well. We end up with better nurses and less turnover.
Good luck with your new job.

[achot chavi]

Originally Posted by CapeCodMermaid

Just a comment-
...now I'm a DNS at a SNF. All new grads get 4-6 weeks of orientation...classroom and on the units. If someone has only ever worked in a hospital or has taken more than a few years off from nursing, we consider them new grads and they get the long orientation as well. We end up with better nurses and less turnover.
Good luck with your new job.

Just curious- how many beds in your SNF- because at my SNF- of 200 beds- we cant afford to give a 6 week orientation where you schedule the new nurse for 6 weeks work above the regular allotment of nurses? or does she works on a unit but is considered new and requiring instruction (but takes the place of a regular nurse) My place couldn't afford that- we are lucky to get adm to allow 1 or 2 weeks for a new nurse to work above the normal allotment, and then we continue for 4 weeks to observe closely . However I (as ADON) give one to one instruction during that time and observe, instruct and supervise her work until we feel she can manage alone. We have tremendous success with our new nurses and haven't had to fire any. They always thank us for the support as most SNF's here don't give that much- its sink or swim. Unfortunately many nurses then lean on and learn from the nurses aides on the unit who talk like they own the joint and know everything (they don't!!!).. I'd rather they get used to getting info directly from me.

[CapeCodMermaid]

The facility has 135 beds. The corporation thought it was worth the extra investment to give new nurses the training....perhaps it started because they hired so many foreign nurses. Most of the new nurses frankly get bored before the 4 weeks is over and practically beg to get out on their own.

[Effie, RN]

As the only educator for a 230 bed LTC facility (plus 4 RCFs, 2 Adult Day programs and 13 senior housing buildings!!!) I applaude your orientation program. I think it's probably extremely unique too. Our nurses, new grad or no, get 1-2 weeks of orientation which includes 1 day in the classroom with me. We don't have a formal preceptor program among the professionals tho it is most assuredly needed. As a result, people either quit because they get overwhelmed or they get fired because they don't get it. Is this a good way to do things? Of course not! Have I tried to change it? Does that answer your question? Unfortunately most new grads, and most nurses who are coming from acute care, are not prepared for the different focus of LTC. Added to that is the need for increased autonomy due to lack of support on-site but the need to follow the bazillion rules that come from the feds, the state, your facility, and the individual MD. It is a whole different ball game, not unmanagable just a learning curve and one that many nurses aren't given time for. How sad for our profession and for those we provide care for!

[marnacla]

I'm thinking of making the switch - what IS the different focus of LTC?