New Grad to Fully Functioning RN - How long?

[mariedoreen]

I'm a new grad RN on a med-surg floor in orientation. It's a smaller hospital so we get a variety of cases from shift to shift on the one unit. Mental health, oncology, general surgery, ortho, medical cases, etc...

What do you think is a reasonable amount of time before a new grad should be expected to be ready to go with a full load on their own? I've had 11 days with a preceptor and was just granted 4 more. I get the impression they're hoping I'm going to indicate I'm ready after that point. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm ever going to feel "ready" or if it's just a 'jump out of the nest' kind of thing.

I'm overly cautious and ask my share of questions. My assessment skills are fine, but I still struggle with some of the subtleties (fine crackles). I'm fairly organized (though not perfect), but also take longer to do some things because I'm having to think about the task a little more. I still need SBA with several skills that I don't get an opportunity to do very often (central lines, chest tubes, starting IVs, etc...)

The thing I struggle with the most is finding the time to go over all the patient's transcriptions and imaging and lab results, etc... I always hit the highlights and most important values, but I'm not able to get a completely clear idea of everything that's going on like some of the other nurses seem to do. I do work hard and try hard (no breaks in the last 3 shifts, it's crazy) and I know things will get better with time, I'm just wondering how long it should take me before I'm good to be on my own w/ only the charge RN for back up.

Thoughts? What do you see in your facilities with new grads?

[csiln]

I got 5 days with a preceptor and the other nurses were telling me they had as many (none of them were new grads)and that should be sufficient. The nurse manager said the charge nurse would always be there to answer my questions and help. HAHAHAHAHA!

I graduated in Dec. and have quit nursing for now. It was too painful, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I may reapply at a larger hospital sometime down the road that offers a longer orientation.

[ericuRN]

I got 5 days with a preceptor and the other nurses were telling me they had as many (none of them were new grads)and that should be sufficient. The nurse manager said the charge nurse would always be there to answer my questions and help. HAHAHAHAHA!

I graduated in Dec. and have quit nursing for now. It was too painful, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I may reapply at a larger hospital sometime down the road that offers a longer orientation.

That is so sad. Don't give up on nursing. I have to laugh about the charge RN "always being there to answer your questions." BWWWHAHAHAHAHHA!. That was told to us also and then the Chg. RN got overwhelmed with 4 new grads constantly coming up to her with questions. I work in a large teaching hospital and most ensure that you have at least 12 weeks orientation, 16 if you are in critical care. Nursing does tax one in the ways that you have mentioned, but if you sit back for awhile, evaluate your experience, you may find that you just need to find your niche. If you get into the wrong area, as you found out, you can be very unhappy. Sometimes you have to work in an area for awhile to realize what will make you happy and what is not working. Good luck to you. Don't give up. Nursing can be rewarding.

[s9283]

I had 12 wks orientation at my hospital. I didn't feel really confident for about a yr.

[EDGRADNURSE]

I'm in orientation (3 weeks left-11 weeks total w/preceptor) and am carrying a full patient load (6) on a med/tele unit.

Re: breaks. I NEVER get lunch or breaks. I get maybe 5 minutes to choke something down (literally--I choked on a sandwich because I was eating so fast). One time I didn't eat until 3pm (7a-7p shift). I nearly pee myself because I get up from the toilet too fast in order to get back to work. LOL.

But seriously, I'm doing this because I feel forced to. My preceptors are great but it never seems appropriate to say, "hey, I need a break". There are always tons of things to do. If something isn't absolutely critical-I don't see why I cannot take a 1/2 hour lunch. Yes, there may be charting left to do and ice water to fetch but, gosh, there's ALWAYS something to do.

I can't see how you can be expected to not take breaks and to be on your own in just a few shifts. You have barely enough time to learn the paperwork. Are you carrying 6 patients already. Sheesh!

When I'm on my own, I'm eating lunch.

[Retired R.N.]

Every time I read that RNs are refusing to take regular breaks for meals and going to the bathroom, I wonder just what useful information (if any!) they learned from all the expensive education they paid for to be allowed to take the NCLEX exam. Where is the critical thinking that everyone is so quick to prattle about? Yes, prattle! Anyone who thinks that the fast road to burnout is an example of professional behavior might want to rethink the definitions again.

Is it any wonder that the general public is not totally convinced that nurses are worthy of the rank of "professional?"

End of rant. For now.