Hired at a SNF but.....

OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN · Nov 21, 2012

Yep, when I was a brand new LPN, I got a day and a half. That was it. LTC is sink or swim. Here's hoping you're a good swimmer.

Unfortunately this is true. When I was a new grad LPN I got five days of orientation which was cut short. It really is sink or swim. However, I would rather sink than to be an unsafe nurse. Ask, ask , ask for more orientation. Do you and your patients a favor.

M/B-RN · Nov 22, 2012

As a new nurse, I constantly have to remind myself not to rush or get flustered. Whether you feel flustered or not, you will still do all the things you have to do. Might as well not rush, because that is when mistakes happen. There is a difference between rushing and being fast. It's okay to quickly change and clean a patient, but do not rush yourself in an assessment or a med pass. Being a nurse is hard, especially when you are new. I like the advice about reading a lot of material on policy and procedure on your spare time, that way you can focus on skills while you are at work. Every day when you go home, think of how you can become more efficient ant try it out the next day. That's what I've been doing and have gotten down a pretty good routine by now. Good luck.

bayareastudent0711 · Nov 23, 2012

I got 2 days per shift when I oriented. So I got lucky. But you really do learn on the job, just don't be afraid to ask, and study study on your days off. Keep your smartphone with you if possible as a quick reference! Watch how the nurses talk to the patients with problems. And ASK your DON if you can have your orientation extended. If not, ask to come in on your own free time and shadow the nurses. I've seen nurses do that too.

caffeineaddict · Nov 25, 2012

My orientation was postponed to next week. Will report back:barf02:

Caffeine

caffeineaddict · Dec 3, 2012

I am a new grad and received my RN license in Sept 2012. I was hired at a SNF as a referral
by a friend. My orientation is 2 days. Is that the standard? I dont think 2 days is enough to have a comfortable grip on all the paperwork, and 40+ residents in addition to all the other
fun stuff. Please share and enlighten for those of you with knowledge.
Help!
Caffeine

UPDATE

I had to turn down the SNF RN position. The manager was not willing to extend me an orientation beyond 2 days. Some new grads perhaps could have handled the stress but not me:no:.

I feel good with my decision. The patients deserve someone competent and prepared.

I tip my hat to those new grads who managed to tuff it out working with 40+ residents and 24-48 hour orientation. :up:

Good luck to us all in the struggle,

Caffeine