Does this orientation sound kosher to you?

babyktchr, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2005

I have a friend that will be taking her boards next month :balloons: She really wants to work postpartum eventually work her way up to either L/D (there are no positions right now) or NICU. The unit manager that interviewed her said that they could put her right into a PRN position for postpartum only and she would only need a 3-4 week orientation????? That sounds a bit fishy to me. It sounds very appealing to her because then she would only work when she wants to. I told her that I would be very leery of that position and also that short of an orientation. Am I on track? I told her to check with HR and make sure this is a legitmate position and that the unit manager isn't just trying to lure her in. (We have unit managers in our hospital that tell the girls anything that they want to hear to get them in...stupid!). The other point I told her to bring up is that they HAVE a float pool in place and how could she just hire her for PRN in their unit? I don't want to discourage her, but I am very concerned over this. What do you think?

I dont see where 4 weeks in strictly PP would be unreasonable. Usually though, hospitals give more orientation to new grads, just because they need to grow skills. I could see 6 weeks new grad orientaton then additional 4 weeks in PP. My hospital just instituted mandatory 12 week orientation, which may be extended, especially in specialty areas.

We have per diem staff that are specific to our unit only. It is nice to have trained folks come to your unit when needed, instead of someone who isn't used to routine. I know that is what float pool is all about, but sometimes it just isn't a help when you have to teach someone the whole routine. You end up spending more time and just coulda done it yourself. Please, this is no offense to ANY float pool nurse. I feel like a fish out of water when I get pulled to do med/surg, and I was an ICU nurse for 5 years. When you don't do it all the time...you get rusty.

What I find interesting about your story is that they are hiring a new grad as PRN. I really am surprised they would orient someone then make then PRN. I would be leery that she would not be used elsewhere in the facility. Orientation is a killer on a budget for a unit...so I am wondering why they would orient her and then only use her when needed. Just my two cents.

SmilingBluEyes · Jun 30, 2005

I do not think 4 weeks is enough, especially for a new grad out of school. I find this very questionable myself.

RNnL&D · Jun 30, 2005

IMO, 4 weeks is not long enough for a new grad. Nor have I heard of anyone hiring a new grad in a PRN status. You really need to work FT for a year to gain experience.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Jul 1, 2005

That's what I thought....I thought it sounded odd. I hope she take my advice and checks it out pretty well...I'd hate for anything to happen!