what are they looking for during probation period?

mattsmom81 · Sep 8, 2004

In my area, the 3 month period of a new job is the probationary period, where the facility and the nurse decide if they will be a 'good fit'.

The facility is evaluating your competencies, your demeanor and your suitability for the position they have hired you for. As a new grad they will look to see how much time they need to invest in you, whether you can handle the job. Show a willingness to learn, to fit in, be a team player and meet their standards and I'm sure you will do fine. Good luck and hope you like it there. :)

Also if you're not sure exactly what they want, consider asking your immediate supervisor for input/clarification of what your goals should be these first few months on the job. She should be willing to share this with you, hopefully.

Ms.RN · Sep 8, 2004

in my area, the 3 month period of a new job is the probationary period, where the facility and the nurse decide if they will be a 'good fit'.
the facility is evaluating your competencies, your demeanor and your suitability for the position they have hired you for.
what do you mean by competency? as a graduate from nursing school, can you be competent?

RNKPCE · Sep 9, 2004

competencies, attitude, work habits

Just because your weak in an area does not mean you will be let go. This is espec true in the area of competencies. They should sit with you and develop an educational plan with goals and extend the probation period so with remedial education, precepting etc you might meet them. This will vary with how much experience you bring. They should be more willing to help you meet these goals if you are a new grad. The expectations should be higher or met more quickly with the experienced nurse.

mattsmom81 · Sep 9, 2004

in my area, the 3 month period of a new job is the probationary period, where the facility and the nurse decide if they will be a 'good fit'.
the facility is evaluating your competencies, your demeanor and your suitability for the position they have hired you for.
what do you mean by competency? as a graduate from nursing school, can you be competent?
well of course they don't expect you to be an 'expert', but they do expect basic nursing competence even from new grads. nursing school should have provided much of this.
sounds like you need to sit down with your manager and iron this out so you will feel more comfortable and know what they expect.

hllybenn · Sep 10, 2004

"basic nursing competence" as a new RN, TO ME, would include time management, your assessments are accurate, you can communicate with other members of the health care team, your documentation skills are adequate to good.

What we do is a 24 hour job- however, if you are ALWAYS leaving the 2200/qhs meds to the 11pm shift (cause you "did not have time") or if you are missing some obvious things in your assessments, or you are doing wound care wrong then maybe it is not a good fit. That is what I would view as "competencies".

lorajane · Sep 20, 2004

four weeks! wow! :coollook:

where are you? i should have started my career there!

i too took my first nursing job in a ltc facility, and my orientation was a whopping two eight-hour shifts!!! and, the nurse who "oriented" me, was gone a couple weeks later, and the adon apologized for my having to orient with her!

latch on to these people! they are committed to their new nurses!

hello everyone
i need some advice. i've started working at long term care facility and is being orientated. my orientation is 4 weeks and i was told that i need to prove myself during my probation period. so i was wondering what are the employers looking for from orientee to decide whether or not they want to keep the person? this is my first job as a nurse after graduating from nursing school.

Brickman · Sep 20, 2004

I would like to add that one of the biggest things facilities are looking for during a probationary period is how many times you call out of work.

NurseFeelGood · Sep 20, 2004

I would second what Brickman said. I think the 1st thing they are looking for is if by the end of your probationary period you are then able to handle the job you were hired to do. But a "Biggie" is whether you have missed any days, left early, or been late. Of course they will take in account if you have had an emergency. But if at all possible I would not miss any days unless such an emergency comes up. If you have children childcare arrangements in the event of sickness should be prearranged. Also, it's a big plus if the residents or families have made compliments about your work. Good luck and I'm sure you will do fine.