I recently started working on a fast paced surgical floor (I had been working overtime there when I worked on my old unit). There is a nurse who was hired from a nursing home (she said she worked with people on vents and trachs, not sure of the exact acuity). She has great skills, but she is not fast enough. She has been on orientation for 2 weeks. She is now in her 3rd week, which was extra. She has two more days of orientation. The main issues are documentation and delegation. Her assessments are not documented til after the shift is over. She does not delegate. Her preceptor keeps on trying to talk to her. She feels her preceptor is being tough on her. Her preceptor was saying that she likes her orientee a lot, but she doesn't think she will survive. I went over to her and casually brought up how orientation is tough in this hospital because they are very on top of documentation. I wanted her to realize that it's not just her, it's everyone. I also talked a little bit about how I organize my day. I don't think she realizes that she may be let go and not finish orientation. I don't think she realized the "hot water" she is in. I would hate to see her go. What should I do? I am younger than this nurse and have been nursing for less years I think. I am also pretty new to the unit. I wrote up a little something, which I'm attaching. I also have a great report sheet (also attaching) that I revised based on a report sheet I found on this website.
Thanks everyone...can we close this thread please though...
Final points/in agreement with the following...
Not a young nurse vs old nurse. The other nurse is in her 30s. I don't think I'm better than her. This is not a "setup" for me to get my friend hired. The hospital actually has a hiring freeze right now.
Two weeks is not enough time for orientation for an LTC nurse moving to acute care.
I agree that the preceptor should not have discussed her orientee's progress with anyone but the manager and/or clinical leaders. I casually heard the conversation between the preceptor and another nurse. The preceptor was upset that she was "failing" her orientee.
Thanks to everyone who gave me encouragement and advice.
Ruby Vee, BSN
17 Articles; 14,051 Posts
That prayer chain post was snarky, but I didn't see the "young nurse vs. old nurse" in the portion of the post that was quoted.