I know in LTC everyone says that you're lucky if you get orientation at all, or more than a week or two if you're lucky. I am a brand new Grad, started in LTC, had 3 weeks, (total of 10 shifts of orientation) I was with 4 different people, one of which totally ignored me the whole time I was with her. About 3-4 shifts.
I have been off orientation for 2 weeks. Everyone tells me I'm doing fine, but I feel so incompetant. I feel like I have to ask a question about everything i do. I'm still afraid to talk to the doctors. Not too confident in my assesment skills... anyway, I had a med error the other night. I think cause I am so damn nervous everytime I go to work. Talked to the DON about the error and told her my feelings about not being too sure of myself. She told me she thought I was doing fine for such a short time and being a new grad, but if I would feel more comfortable with more orientation, she was okay with that. so she put me back on 4 more days next week.
I went into my already sceduled shift (on my own) and I felt like everyone was looking at me weird. I don't know if they think I was put back on orientation cause of the mistake or that I'm stupid and need it. Most of the nurses say, you just have to learn as you go... Now I kind of wish I didn't even say anything... I think everyone now thinks I am incompetant not just myself??
Specializes in cardiac (CCU/Heart Transplant, cath lab).
I see that you work in acute care and are employed by a hospital. This is the LTC forum. In general, formal preceptorship does not exist in the nursing home setting due to budgetary constraints. The OP is employed at a LTC facility.
Then they should not be hiring new grads. Ridiculous. Unfair to the new grad AND the patients. Not to mention unsafe. I know the job market is tight, but I would have hesitated to accept my first RN position with anything less than 2-3 months of orientation with a primary preceptor.
Then they should not be hiring new grads. Ridiculous. Unfair to the new grad AND the patients. Not to mention unsafe. I know the job market is tight, but I would have hesitated to accept my first RN position with anything less than 2-3 months of orientation with a primary preceptor.
LTC is where MANY new grads get started. My first job was in LTC and it was a whopping 3 days orientation. I do not believe ANY LTC would grant someone 2-3 months!
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
Hospitals and LTCs are different. A hospital will give a much longer orientation. LTC it's 2 or 3 days (even for new grads). I've never heard of more than one week in LTC.
A good LTC will realize that new grads are ill prepared to handle a patient load of more than 3. We offer at least a month to six weeks for new grads. It does them no good to be thrown into a situation they are not equipped to handle. It's flat out dangerous for the patients and not fair to the nurse. We are revamping our entire nurse orientation to account for the fact that most new grads these days know next to nothing about taking care of real, sick people. I'd rather spend the time and money on orientation than have a mistake made or a new nurse feel unprepared.
Hospitals and LTCs are different. A hospital will give a much longer orientation. LTC it's 2 or 3 days (even for new grads). I've never heard of more than one week in LTC.
Not all LTCs. It definitely depends on the facility and region because I am on week 5 of my orientation and I will be finished next week which adds up to a total of 6 weeks of orientation. About 1 week of following a nurse and 5 weeks passing meds with the nurse nearby for questions/concerns.. etc.
Additionally, I have been told many times that I am more than welcome to take more time if I feel unprepared. My facility seems to take an approach similar to Cape Cod Mermaid's. :)
In the LTC where I work, orientation can be extended with no problem. Especially for new grads. Usually ends up no more than two weeks but we have a great team work atmosphere.
A good LTC will realize that new grads are ill prepared to handle a patient load of more than 3. We offer at least a month to six weeks for new grads. It does them no good to be thrown into a situation they are not equipped to handle. It's flat out dangerous for the patients and not fair to the nurse. We are revamping our entire nurse orientation to account for the fact that most new grads these days know next to nothing about taking care of real, sick people. I'd rather spend the time and money on orientation than have a mistake made or a new nurse feel unprepared.
That is awesome, CapeCod! None of the facilities in my area do that. Orientation: Here's your cart...those are your residents. good luck! If more facilities were like the one you work in, there would probably be a lot less turn around in staffing.
Aymese
114 Posts
Then they should not be hiring new grads. Ridiculous. Unfair to the new grad AND the patients. Not to mention unsafe. I know the job market is tight, but I would have hesitated to accept my first RN position with anything less than 2-3 months of orientation with a primary preceptor.