Cofused and need your opinion

RN1989 · Oct 29, 2007

Actually, compared to many hospital orientations I have seen, that one doesn't sound so bad. That comes to 3 weeks of classroom and 3-4 weeks (if they are 12s) of clinical. Granted, for ICU I think you need LOTS of orientation, especially going in as a new grad. You'll have to decide for yourself. Perhaps you can call various hospital HR departments and ask what their orientation generally consists of. You may find that someone has more/better, or that this hospital is the best around. When a hospital has a short, rushed orientation it is either an indication that they are desperate for staff and/or the education budget has been cut way back. Both of which aren't good. But in these days and times, you often simply have to choose the best of the worst.

nyapa, RN · Oct 29, 2007

Hi, I am unable to give practical advice re: your situation, as our programme of orientation is totally different in Australia.

But...I have noticed a thread very similar to yours, which may give you some ideas. I just saw it at the bottom of the page, and the link is

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/expectations-new-grad-icu-orientation-258295.html#post2469320

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2007

Hi,
I just passed my board a few days ago and I have always been interested in working in ICU. I called a hospital in NY and I was told that they offer 3 weeks in class orientation for new graduate and buddy you up with with a preceptor for 9-12 shifts in ICU. I have always been told in nursing school to make sure to work with employer that has good orientation package for new grad. Honestly I just dont feel comfortable with that kind of package. I just feel that a new graduate will need more that 9-12 shifts preceptorship. You can correct if am wrong. Thanks
RN1025

That is nowhere approaching enough time for a new grad to orient in the ICU!! I think that it is dangerous and bordering on malpractice to allow a new grad with only 9 shifts of preceptored experience alone with a critically ill patient. It takes time to learn how to prioritize care on one, let alone two critical patients - let alone knowing when and how to titrate drips, trouble shoot vents, talk to families - sometimes all at the same time.

A good new grad orientation in the ICU should have at least two to three months of precepted shifts, with the same preceptor if possible.

Blee

firstyearstudent · Oct 29, 2007

This is totally weak. Here is L.A. many hospitals offer 6 months of orientation for new grads going into ICU.

nrsang97, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2007

9-12 shifts is NOT anywhere near enough time to orient to a ICU or med surg floor. In my area the new grads get 3 months orientation.

llg, PhD, RN · Oct 29, 2007

Are you sure it isn't 9-12 weeks instead of 9-12 shifts. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding there.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 29, 2007

Yes, I too would hope it is a misunderstanding. 12 weeks to 6 months is the standard orientation and if you only have 12 weeks of orientation, it is understood that you still have a mentor or buddy.

widi96 · Oct 29, 2007

We have a minimum of 6 month orientation.

ebear, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2007

NOPE!!! That is not nearly enough time!! Please make sure this is accurate info. If what they are telling you is 9 12 hr shifts, MOVE ON!! :nono:

ebear

SarasotaRN2b · Oct 30, 2007

That is nowhere approaching enough time for a new grad to orient in the ICU!! I think that it is dangerous and bordering on malpractice to allow a new grad with only 9 shifts of preceptored experience alone with a critically ill patient. It takes time to learn how to prioritize care on one, let alone two critical patients - let alone knowing when and how to titrate drips, trouble shoot vents, talk to families - sometimes all at the same time.
A good new grad orientation in the ICU should have at least two to three months of precepted shifts, with the same preceptor if possible.
Blee

:yeahthat: No way...I totally agree with Blee. The floor I work on is a Cardiac acute floor (same one I hope to work on when I am done with nursing school) has both classroom time and a minimum of 3 months of being with a preceptor. If they don't feel that a new RN should be on their own at the end of the 3 months, they will extend it.

cgbrn1962 · Nov 1, 2007

Perhaps I am showing my age but I would have killed for that much orientation when I started in CCU 24 years ago in NY. I had baptism by fire in place of an orientation