Job offer..BUT

caliotter3 · Feb 5, 2008

LTC facilities are typically shorthanded and suffer from high turnover so you can expect management at these places to come across as more concerned about meeting their needs for employees rather than seeing that a new employee gets something out of the ordinary. And yes, they consider a sufficient orientation something out of the ordinary. Not the best of situations, but reality. You need to prepare yourself for a tough experience in LTC. You're getting your first taste of what is to come now. Good luck.

FrustratedLPN · Feb 6, 2008

There is a joke on the "Humor Forum" that aptly applies to this situation.. Capsulized it's something like this... Potential employee dies and is given the choice of Heaven or Hell.. First visit.. Heaven, nice, charming, peaceful, harp music. Nice but lackluster. Then for the initial visit to Hell... Greeted by charming, smiling people....tanned, toned...all youthful in appearance. "This is but a small taste of Hell, there's a 24 hour buffet, free cocktails, you never gain weight. You'll have a choice of activities, leisure time. Anything you desire, you only have to ask and it will be yours."

Needless to say, she chooses to live in Hell for eternity. Waves goodbye to those in Heaven, enters Hell's gates... it's gloom, doom, hideous people, wailing. "Where's the buffet? Where are the lovely people that were here yesterday?

Devil turns to her, "oh yesterday you were a recruit, today you're staff".

Sad to say, just a taste of the real world, especially in LTC. They will say anything to get you in there. Several weeks of orientation, if you want more training you'll have it, we'll work around your schedule, etc. etc. etc. You're lucky if you get an entire week of orientation before you're on your own. Schedules are in place before you've finished orientation. So true, they are short staffed.. is it any wonder?

Good Luck, and welcome to Nursing 101!!!!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2008

I've been working at LTCFs for a couple of years, and the longest orientation I've ever received was a day and a half before I was cut loose to work on my own. One time, I only received 8 hours of orientation. In my area, 3 days is the typical orientation period, and nurse managers will laugh in your face if you dare to request more time than that.

You say they offered you 5 days of orientation? In my area, that's an unusually lengthy orientation!

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Feb 6, 2008

My orientation consisted of being stuck in a small room with 2 others watching videos and going through the P&P's on our own. That lasted 2 days. The "going over the paperwork" lasted about 4 hrs, which consisted of "this is for this, this is for that", and "I don't expect you to remember all (read: any) of this, but there will be people who can help you". (NOT!). The "on the floor training" was 5 days of being ignored, then I was uncerimoniously "dumped" to 3rds. I've been festering here ever since. Still largely clueless. But, they keep paying me...

FrustratedLPN · Feb 6, 2008

Hun, after reading your response to my thread.... "older nurses being phased out"... I"ve no doubt you're not only a caring, intelligent human being, but a grounded and terrific nurse.

Trial by fire is what you're now experiencing, you'll come out being a gracious, caring, attentive nurse. What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger.

After all, isn't that why God made us just a bit more resilient than most? Life experience is where most of your "nursing experience" comes from.... You've already made a difference in someone's life, now keep up the good work!!!

Thank you for being you!

sschele · Feb 7, 2008

Ok..had my 1st orientation today, all types of paperwork (new hire stuff) I talked with the person running it, turns out ..surprise, surprise my actual orientation is going to be 3 days, with the last 2 of the original 5 days, another nurse on the opposite hall, or someone should be able to help. I think my biggest fear is knowing who's who..any hints on trying to remember everyone?

caliotter3 · Feb 7, 2008

You know that little pocket sized notebook you're supposed to always carry with you? Write down their names, etc., somewhere in the middle where it's not so obvious, and have it there for quick reference until you don't need the info anymore.

Fiona59 · Feb 7, 2008

Orientations in my part of the world are short and packed. LTC is usually a paperwork/admin, learn about the provider day and then five days on the floor with a buddy. THen you are cut loose.

Hospitals usually give you a two day refresher on the specialty you are working on, a papework/admin day, and four or five shifts on the floor. You can ask for a couple of extra buddy shifts. But I've never seen it done.

You are expected to know how to provide care, administer meds, do wound care because you have a practice permit. The orientation is there so you know how to do it to their standards.

sschele · Feb 7, 2008

I hope I don't sound like a total basket case! I just want to do well and I wasn't sure if what they were telling me was within the norm..us new nurses can drive everyone insane!!!!

Thanks all

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Feb 8, 2008

Unfortunately, yes. That is the norm. Just hang in there, it'll get better. It seems to follow that "2 steps forward and 1 step back" thing. You think you're getting the hang of it, then inevitably something happens that sets you back. Then off you go again...

Lexxie, LPN · Feb 10, 2008

I was lucky in that I got 2 weeks of orientation as a GPN at my LTCF. However, I've seen new hires on orientation be cut loose early when there's a need to do so, ie: not enough staff