Entry Level Positions without a "New Grad" program

[lookup]

I am about to graduate with a BSN in nursing. I would like to get in at a hospital with a "new grad" program. However, many hospitals do not have these. When a hospital hires a new graduate do they expect you to hit then floor running or do they still provide orientation, some initial extra training, and time with a preceptor, even if only for a few days?

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

When you do orientation, the people (or person) you orient with will give you feedback, and also let the manager know how you're doing. That will help them decide if you're ready to be turned loose :) If you feel you need more time, you should be able to tell them that. BUT- you're not going to feel totally ready- you're going to feel overwhelmed, slow, etc- and that's just normal :) But if you feel unsafe, let them know. There's a big difference between frazzled and unsafe

[shoegalRN, RN]

No, nursing school (including a preceptorship as part of requirement for graduation) does NOT prepare you to hit the ground running as a brand spanking new nurse.

Even if your preceptor has given you "great reviews" while you were still a STUDENT nurse, this does not mean you are capable of taking care of a full load on your own without any additional orientation after you receive your RN license.

Where I work, there is a new grad program, and for Med/Surg, you get 8 weeks orientation, Tele/Stepdown you get 12 weeks and critical care you get 6 months. Even if you did a preceptorship in any of those areas, you are still going to get the full amount of orientation, which also involves classroom time.

I would be very careful of any hospital that would not allow an orientation period for a brand new nurse. Even if you are experienced, there is still an orientation period.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

I work at a hospital that has a new grad program but I missed the deadline, so I just got hired on an entry-level position as a new grad. They do not expect you to know everything right off the bat! You will have orientation like everyone else and chances are they will send you to classes that are specific to your unit. For example, I went to a class on vasoactive drips and next week I will attend a basic arrhythmia interpretation course. Next month I will be taking ACLS. You will still spend time with a preceptor and hopefully they give you enough time. I have seen anywhere from 6-12 weeks for a new grad to orient on the floor. And when you come off of orientation, you can still ask questions and ask for help if you're unsure!

[Aurora77]

Even if you're an experienced nurse, you'll get an orientation on your unit. I started the same time as an experienced nurse (I'm a new grad), and we both got 5 weeks, with the option to extend that time if needed.

I did my 72 hour ASN program preceptorship on this same unit, so I feel like the 5 weeks was enough. My hospital doesn't have an official "new grad" training, they just put you in the slot you're hired for. It's worked well for me.

[LaughingRN]

You don't need a new grad program to receive proper training

My current job offered 16-20 weeks orientation with extensions if needed. This is not a new grad program....Some of the nurses currently going through it have worked in med-surg, PICU, MICU, NICU, SICU....

Specialties vary, and sometimes a good facility will recognize this and offer a decent orientation regardless of background.