GN orientation vs RN orientation

[RaggedyRN]

I was offered a GN position at the hospital where I am currently doing my clinicals. They have a twelve week orientation, full time during the day. I am unable to do orientation during the day for 12 weeks. I have three children and am unable to pay for childcare for the summer months. I am also just finishing nursing school and need a little bit of a summer break I feel like the orientation is another semester at school.

Does anyone know how long the orientation typically is for an RN? Is it always full time during the day? Is it always for 12 weeks? I'm thinking I'll focus on the NCLEX (and my children) this summer and hope to find a job in the fall, once I've passed the NCLEX :)

Thanks for your help,

CHICKEY

[llg, PhD, RN]

If it is a good hospital ... they will provide you with a thorough orientation that will take "several" weeks, the exact number of weeks depending upon the unit. 12 weeks is pretty typical for a unit on which the patients require complex care. At the children's hospital at which I work, orientation ranges from about 10 weeks (for a general med/surg unit) to 18 weeks for the ICU.

It doesn't always require 100% days as many hospitals want the new grad to experience the full 24-hour cycle. However, some days are usually required for the classroom portion of orientation.

llg

[Jenneu]

and am on my first week off of orientation after 10 weeks. (I work on a critical care floor).

I would imagine that the orientation period for new nurses without experience would be the same whether or not you are a GN or an RN.

Good luck!

J

[RaggedyRN]

Thanks for your quick replys. I guess I'll just have to wait until the kiddies are back at school to begin my nursing career. I wish I were enjoying a leisurely summer at the beach but no job...no vacation

Thanks Again,

Chickey