What has been helpful in your orientation?

Whew! I just read the message board on the nurses eating their young, and I must say I am overwhelmed. I would like to avoid that situation here.

My co-workers and I are in the process of redesigning our orientation for a large medical/surgical ICU. As new grads, or seasoned nurses transferring to ICU, what has been most helpful in your orientation and getting your skills up to speed? What was not helpful at all and a waste of time? What are things that other staff did to make you feel welcome, and what were things that were done to make you feel unwelcome? Also which way do you learn best? ie written material, explaination, demonstration, video, interactive computer etc. Thanks for your help

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