3 Days Orientation for a New Grad?!

Tait, MSN, RN · Aug 1, 2009

Sounds unsafe to me! I would discuss your concerns with your manager. Maybe it is three days of paperwork, policy orientation and then you run with a preceptor for a few weeks?

Best of luck!!

Tait

kids · Aug 1, 2009

I'm a new grad LPN who wants to stay in LTC. However, I am finding that many facilities are only offering 3 days orientation, even for a new grad. There was one that was for one week, but even that seems like a short amount of time for a new graduate to learn everything. For instance, LPNs have told me about the mounds of paperwork that they have to do, and I can't imagine how a new graduate could possibly learn it all in only 3 days.
I wanted to know how you LPNs did it when you were new graduates in nursing homes. How did you learn about all of the different types of paperwork, not to mention learning about all of the residents (I know that I could have about 30 of them), and how to pass meds to 30 people within the 1-hour-before-and 1-hour-after rule. And what about the nursing skills you didn't get to do in clinicals? (I still haven't performed trach care, nor have I inserted a foley.) I'm worried about how I can possibly do this.

A lot of it is learned as you go (paperwork, med passes, patients).

As for foleys and trachs, they are few and far between in the typical LTCs (in my area).

MarathonerPN · Aug 1, 2009

Im also a new grad LNP, and I'll be starting working in a LTC facility next tuesday, I have two days of orientation, follow by 5 of floor orientation, I will have also 30 patients, and I'm confident that I can handle this situation, I'm also excited to learn more.

Be confident you can do this!!! :pumpiron:

changeofpaceRN · Aug 1, 2009

I had a 6 week new grad orientation in LTC when I was a LPN. I would have never accepted 3 days (although I thought 6 weeks was a little much). I think about 2 weeks would be perfect. LTC is not easy and the patients you have are demanding and ill. Don't let yourself drown because the facility is cheap- ask for more time if you need it. Remember this is your license on the line.

SunnyAndrsn · Aug 2, 2009

I'm a new grad LPN who wants to stay in LTC. However, I am finding that many facilities are only offering 3 days orientation, even for a new grad. There was one that was for one week, but even that seems like a short amount of time for a new graduate to learn everything. For instance, LPNs have told me about the mounds of paperwork that they have to do, and I can't imagine how a new graduate could possibly learn it all in only 3 days.
I wanted to know how you LPNs did it when you were new graduates in nursing homes. How did you learn about all of the different types of paperwork, not to mention learning about all of the residents (I know that I could have about 30 of them), and how to pass meds to 30 people within the 1-hour-before-and 1-hour-after rule. And what about the nursing skills you didn't get to do in clinicals? (I still haven't performed trach care, nor have I inserted a foley.) I'm worried about how I can possibly do this.

I think I had several days that were just paperwork/policies/learning how to use the computer system. That drove me nuts, because it really didn't help when it came time to learning how to put in orders, how the charts were organized, etc.

Three days of orientation on the floor--just not enough. Period. Ask for more.

Ahhphoey · Aug 2, 2009

My first job out of LPN school was in LTC and I was promissed 2 or 3 weeks I think (this was 10 years ago). However, I didn't get all the time, maybe a week and a half when one day my preceptor called out sick and I was left on my own. I was told he was gonna be late so I started my med pass, but an hour or so later I found out he had really called in sick and would not be there at all! This was definitely a shock, but I did okay and never did finish the rest of the orientation. I was comfortable, though, with diong my job and I had very supportive co-workers so it worked out well. Three days, though, is definitely not enough, though.

newgradpinayRN · Aug 2, 2009

i feel for you. i am a registered nurse, n i'm a new grad. i was oriented in a facilty for 2 days & 1 day for d paperworks like signing of papers, not d paperwork we usually do in d fcility, & videotape watching. all in 3 days. i tell you it is not enough! i felt so dumb. i studied for 4 years and yet i didn't had the confidence to make a decision on my own, like everything is new to me. plus, i only work every other weekend, what do u expect to learn? i don't have d chance to know every patient, and at d same time learn in d process. i was so disappointed. i am d rn supervisor & i handle d old LVN & most of d time she was ****** off! i understand her, but what could i do? i don't have anyone to guide me.

lisamc1RN, LPN · Aug 2, 2009

Our new nurses get 6 days of orientation. It's not enough for a new grad. I asked for additional time when I started since I'd only been a nurse for 9 months. Definitely speak up and ask for more time. If they don't agree to it, then maybe you should keep looking.

Plagueis · Aug 5, 2009

Thanks to all who responded. While I am still looking, I found a place that offers a couple of weeks orientation. I just cannot imagine how any new graduate could take a whole assignment in a nursing home after only 3 days, while I hear of nurses in hospitals getting a minimum of 4 weeks. I give anyone who caught on so quickly credit.