Re: Where's my orientation? (Whiney vent) Originally Posted by BigB I have seen lpn's go through 1 or 2 day oreintations, then be sent out alone on the floor as charge nurse. This is insane.
I totally agree! This is exactly what happened to me when I started and I've watched it happen to the nurses who have started after me. I was assured during my initial interview and subsequent meetings with the DON and Staff Development Nurse that I would remain on orientation until I felt comfortable being on my own.
HA!
I oriented one day on the first station. I oriented for half a day on the second station and was then thrown to the wolves. I got one more day of orientation, completely by accident and that was it for me. I tried to talk to management, but my concerns were met with comments like "You shouldn't worry, we've been hearing such wonderful things about you from the other nurses!"
Yeah, whatever. The only nice thing I can say about this system is that to this day...if any of us get into a jam we can always rely on the other nurses to come and help us out. Nurse's will come over and help you with admissions, transfers out, if you have a resident who is looking iffy or if someone has a fall and you're already swamped. I know that doesn't happen everywhere.
I was there on my own for a week when one of my resident's blood sugar bottomed out on a double shift. I knew what to do, but I was terrified of screwing up because I was new. So, I called for backup and the calvary came to my rescue. I still have nightmares about it!
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