Bad Experience as 1st time LPN

[nurseLola22]

I recently got my first job as an LPN. When I was hired, I was told I would receive 6 weeks of orientation,..that's not the case. My first shift, I was placed with an RN who sat at the desk all night, second shift, no one showed my anything. I basically had to ask all night long. On my third night of working, I was placed with a full load of patients to work with. I discussed this with my supervisor, but it has happened again. I feel like I'm having to fight to protect my licesure here., plus I'm learning that on other units, new nurses are getting their full orientations. I can't request transfer for 6 months. I am PRN, so I've been thinking of telling them I can't work as often, only because I know that I'll have a full patient load. It's obvious that my concerns are falling on deaf ears because I am no longer listed on the schedule as an orientating nurse....and this was only after working 4 shifts!!! I don't know what to do. I'm on the verge of quitting, but I don't want it to look like I'm not reliable or dependable. I know I'm a good nurse and I'm eager to give my loyalty to an institution that is also going to take care of me. But this hospital is showing me that they don't care. This is really taking a toll on my confidence. Any suggestions?

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

The first thing you need to do is follow the chain of command until you get a response you can live with. So make an appt with your supervisor and manager and let them know what it is you need and also do not forget to tell them exactly what you said in the post. I would also ask for a preceptor that enjoys teaching and you want to keep the same one and not bounce around. You will get a much better experiece that way,especially as a new nurse. Remeber if you do not get a good response keep going up the chain. Lower level managment will generally prefer to fix things than have you moving up the chain with a problem. It makes them look "BAD" especially when this is such an easy problem to fix. They need to give you the time you need,they need to find a good precptor and mentor,they need to keep you with the same preceptor,they need to communicate to you your progress and you nned to communicate your needs and goals,,,SIMPLE

[BradleyRN]

As a new nurse, you deserve the 6 weeks orientation you were promised. What they are doing shows a total disregard for you and your patients. If they are pulling the old "bait and switch" on you right out of the gate, certainly it will only be the tip of the iceberg. Cut your hours and find a place to work that's not run by criminals.:)

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I don't know why you'd let them run you off like that: I'd take my complaint right to the top of the food chain, the first person who actually LISTENS. Trust me, there is one there, and they won't be happy at your situation.

If, after taking it to the top, you still have a sh!!ty orientation, it's reasonable to put in notice and leave. I have a hard time believing it'd go that far.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Agree - you and your patient deserve you to have 6 weeks orientation...take it up the chain.

[lpnflorida]

Is there a nurse educator on your unit? That would be the first place I would start, and then work my way up as others have suggested.

[cjb73]

I had a VERY similar experience. I work for a Pediatric Home Health Care agency. I worked 2 NIGHT shifts while the client slept..not a big deal, there. Then I worked 1 day shift. The child has a trach, and a g-tube "MICKEY BUTTON". He needed a bath and a trach change, neither of wich the RN I was training with showed me how to do. I had to sign off on a 'skills check list' for changing the trach...NOT JUST THE TIES, THE WHOLE THING...wich is an RN scope of practice unless I have been educated. NO NURSE showed me how to do the trach change. THE MOTHER DID!!!! I asked for another DAY training, and THE SUPERVISOR came....and SLEPT in a chair for half the day, then left!!!! AAAAHHHH!!!! I have been with the client for 90 days, and I LOVE MY JOB, I just feel like this agency doesn't care if I keep my license or not.???