Bad nursing orientation

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I started at a local hospital as a Float RN. I have 1 year's experience in med-surg/ tele nursing. This is 8th week on orientation and my preceptor still is pushing me to work quick and not giving me time to call doctors about labs or doing other things. I usually chart all my assessments first thing in the morning, but my preceptor yells at me and tells me to do my care plans instead. I got yelled at by the nursing educator for not having my assessments done on time (I get them done before I leave) and still having to be coached. I tried to notify my supervisor and HR, but to no avail and no new preceptor. What should I do, as I have an interview with a cardiologist in the area (which I had applied to before I got this job). 

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
8 minutes ago, germinariojenn said:

my preceptor yells at me...  I got yelled at by the nursing educator 

Since yelling is an acceptable form of communication, yell back at them, “I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!”  (Howard Beale)

Your answer, germinariojenn:

8 minutes ago, germinariojenn said:

 I have an interview with a cardiologist in the area.

 

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This might be a sign of the culture of the unit. In some units, especially an overloaded in nursing tasks, getting things done quickly is a survival skill. Maybe this is at the expense of patient care. Become observant of how the other nurses manage time. 

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We actually had patients complain on Saturday that no one was taking care of them or answering their call lights.  I was on the phone with pharmacy and a doctor was calling back, rather then letting the call be put on hold, the preceptor took the call instead. I was finishing up the call and going to take that call she didn't even give me a chance.

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How much longer is your orientation? Can you see yourself succeeding on that unit  when you are on your own?

Never turn down an interview. Might be the opportunity you need.

Best wishes.

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3 weeks and I definitely think so, but my preceptor isn’t allowing me to work on my own. 

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Specializes in ER, Pre-Op, PACU.
3 hours ago, germinariojenn said:

I started at a local hospital as a Float RN. I have 1 year's experience in med-surg/ tele nursing. This is 8th week on orientation and my preceptor still is pushing me to work quick and not giving me time to call doctors about labs or doing other things. I usually chart all my assessments first thing in the morning, but my preceptor yells at me and tells me to do my care plans instead. I got yelled at by the nursing educator for not having my assessments done on time (I get them done before I leave) and still having to be coached. I tried to notify my supervisor and HR, but to no avail and no new preceptor. What should I do, as I have an interview with a cardiologist in the area (which I had applied to before I got this job). 

It might be a bad unit or a bad fit. It may also be that your preceptor is pushing you to survive on your own in that role. I remember as a new nurse, my preceptor had to re-direct me some and in the end, I was grateful for it. She taught me how to survive and deal with the life and death situations in the ER.

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3 hours ago, germinariojenn said:

3 weeks and I definitely think so, but my preceptor isn’t allowing me to work on my own. 

This sounds like a problem that is soon to not be a problem anymore. ???

Put your head down and make it through.

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Specializes in Neurosciences, stepdown, acute rehab, LTC.

Honestly I think it’ll be a bit better without the preceptor and you can work more independently 

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical Nurse, Community Health Nurse.

Hi,

 

What did you learn from what you call "bad orientation"? Did you play any role to make it become a bad one?

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Specializes in NICU/Mother-Baby/Peds/Mgmt.

Ask your preceptor NOW to work on your own, that way you'll have a couple weeks in before you get off orientation.  And fwiw, I think it's more important to chat your assessments before doing care plans, those can be done anytime but if you don't do your assessment and then a patient or 2 goes downhill you're always behind....just gut it out and you'll be on your own and can chart the way you think works best for you.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical Nurse, Community Health Nurse.

Hi Nunya,

Thank you very much for your comments about bad orientation.  Probably I misunderstood the concept of "orientation". I thought it has something to do before starting a clinical nursing program either in the hospital or in the community, or just starting a new work somewhere as a nurse.

Well, a good orientation starts with a good preceptor, who would clearly clarify her/his expectations from you.  Of course, working on your own "independently" will make you even perform very well.  I really agree with you to chat your assessment before doing care plans which would be part of your time management and quality nursing care.

But Nunya, how often are you suppose to undergo orientation? Please, help be and clear on this issue.  Orientation is very important for me.

Thank you very much.

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