Advice needed - MS job

[NewRN089]

So, I have a potential opportunity for a first RN job on a MS floor. The people seem great- good chemistry at interview. It's a teaching hospital w/a good reputation. My problem is that orientation is only 6 weeks and I would have 6-7 patients. This is a very small unit and with low staff turnover. Management seems good. But, this just seems too short and too many patients. l am really torn.. in clinicals the ratio I saw for RNs was at most 5:1. I did fine w/3 patients as a student on a tele floor. The patients are not that sick- it's just mixed bag M-S stuff. I am a quick learner and a second career nurse, so I have had lots of other work experience. What do you think?

[weirdscience]

6-7 pts on days, or nights? I'd say nights w/6 and 6 weeks orientation is stressful but doable if the support is there. I have several friends from NS who ended up in just that position and they're doing fine.

[kayern]

Six week orientation.....does it include a classroom experience or is it a six week orientation on the unit itself? Is it a tele unit or straight M/S? Nursing school can not prepare new graduates to assume responsibility for a patient ratio of 6:1 because clinical rotations are usually about 10 students with one clinical instructor. You also do not state what kind of ancillary support you will have, if there a charge nurse that does not take a patient assignment in order to be a resource to the nursing staff. Don't look merely at the nurse to patient ratios, there are many other things to consider.

You state that the unit has low staff turnover = a plus. The staff must be relatively happy and probably work well together. You also commented on the good chemistry and good management.

Take your time before making a decision and consider some of the things I mentioned. Good Luck and Welcome to a Great Profession.

[NewRN089]

It's 2 weeks of classroom to get up to speed on skills needed for the job. There is a charge that doesn't take patients. It's not tele, just M/S. The acuity level varies, but nothing too serious. There are lots of positives. I think it would be a great learning experience. I just never considered having that many patients. Well, I do have a lot to think about. Thanks for the comments.