Orientation Standards ... what is your hospital doing?

[RNPATL, DNP, RN]

I am just starting a new position and am wondering what type of orientation is being offered to experienced nurses. As an experienced nurse, it seems like I am getting a lot of orientation. While I have to admit that I don't mind the process, I am wondering how many experienced nurses think that hospitals are being excessive in their orinetation time for experienced nurses.

In years past, the orientation process was pretty limited and most times I remember being thrown to the floor. Today, it seems like 5 weeks is not unusal .... is that something that is common now? I have to admit that I hate changing jobs and have not done so in a while ... so the orientation process is somewhat new to me.

Thanks for your replies.

[sharann, BSN, RN]

Consider it a gift. My hospital takes new grads, give them 1 week straight general ort, 1 week specialty(sometimes) then throws them into a "preceptorship" in which the preceptor has their OWN patient load...this is in ICU as well as the floors! :angryfire

[sharann, BSN, RN]

By the way, I'n NOT saying this is you, but we get an awful lot of "experienced" nurses who don't know the front from the back end of a patient. Maybe your hospital has had problems with this so they are trying to cover everyone?

[RNPATL, DNP, RN]

By the way, I'n NOT saying this is you, but we get an awful lot of "experienced" nurses who don't know the front from the back end of a patient. Maybe your hospital has had problems with this so they are trying to cover everyone?

I agree with you about the experienced nurse thing and have worked with some myself. I am truly happy with the extra time in orientation, but tend to be an inpatient person when it comes to getting a routine and getting settled. Maybe that is why it is a little harder for me to go through 5 full weeks of orientation. But I agree, maybe they are covering for all nurses to ensure they are successful.

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Too many experienced nurses complain that they get too little orientation in a new facility. Be thankful you are being given a good orientation. If you are more focused on patient care and routine, it will not take long to get one developed on your unit when you are off orientation.

Good Luck in your new job. Keep us posted with what is happening when you can.