ortho/neuro GN

I dont know about Ortho certified in one year as Idont know anythingabout that (I am relatively new to nursing in this country). But apart from tht your oreintation sounds reasonable to me- you will do well I am sure...

You actually have to be in practice as an RN for at least 2 years before you can even take the orthopaedic certification exam (ONC). You also have to have at least 1000 hours work on an ortho unit. So I'm surprised that they are telling you they can certify you after a year. hmmm.

The training sound great. It's nice that they allow you to go and watch every surgery. I think it gives you a better appreciation as to what the patient is going through. If you train for 8-10 weeks...and don't have patient care until after you've completed your first 8 weeks...do you only get 2 weeks of experience on the floor with patients before you are on your own? That might be a little scary for you, might want to have them clarify that. Hope you like ortho...it's great, patients seem to go in and out faster than just surgical, and most patients are fairly healthy. Good Luck!

Good Luck!

Hi there ortho/neuro GN buddy. I just started as an orth/neuro GN as well. We're in the same boat! What do you think so far? I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Probably one of the best jobs I've ever had.

your orientation sounds very acceptable. For any new grad on any medical or surgical floor up to 3 months of orientation and preceptorship is appropriate. You start off with a week (or more) or classes and then you follow a nurse around learning the ropes of charting, giving meds, learning equipment, etc. Then you start with a few patients on your own up until you have a full load (with a resourse person to go to for questions). It can take weeks or a couple of months before a full load. During the three months expect anxiety and stress that should decrease with each week. Being a new grad don't let it over welm you. You have to give it months before you can decide if you fit into that particular unit and specialty. You will probably encounter nurses that "like to eat there own." It's hard but don't let it bother you. They are just nurses who have forgotten they used to be new too. You will probably end up being friends with them after. I have seen this MULTIPLE times. As long as you willing to learn your unit shouldn't have a problem.
Good Luck and Congrats.

Michelle