Extended Orientation

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Aug 29, 2007

It happens all the time. I'd see it as a good thing, in that they haven't decided that you're just never going to "get it"... it's just going to take you awhile longer. They see potential in you and are willing to give you the time you need to make it to the finish. You could ask them what specifically is holding you back, and then devise a plan to remedy it. Keep going, you're doing fine.

CarVsTree · Aug 29, 2007

Everyone learns at a different rate. Just keep doing your best and you'll be off orientation when you're ready.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2007

I think it says a lot about your employer and it says a lot about you. It's all good. They're flexible and you're worth it.

KckStrt · Aug 30, 2007

My lead charge and nurse educator asked if I wanted another week or two due to missing clinical time for illness and classes... I was encouraged by it. I decided another week or two wasn't going to make me any less terrified of killing all 6 of pts...

november17, ASN, RN · Aug 30, 2007

Don't feel discouraged, feel lucky!! I wish I had gotten more orientation time. It's a help, not a hinderance.

deeDawntee, RN · Aug 30, 2007

I think it speaks volumes both of how valuable they see that you are and they want to give you all the tools you need to succeed. And it shows that you are working at a place where employees are valued.

You are in a win/win situation!! Take the extra orientation with gratitude, not shame, you have NOTHING to feel bad about! Way to go finding a place to work that treats you with so much respect and concern!!!

:yeah: :yeah: :yeah:

nurz2be · Aug 31, 2007

Hi all...has anyone out there been told they may need more time on orientation before being on their own? I have and although I know it is a good thing my preceptor and my manager care that much to give me more time I am feeling a bit discouraged. I try to tell myself it is ok, but at the same time I am feeling a little down about it. Any advice/ experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!

In our area, certain hospitals, you can spend as much as 6 months as a GN working with an RN. I was horrified at first when I heard this, then I started REALLY thinking about it and the idea of, as someone already posted, not killing people or falling behind because I am new was a bit of a relief. Good luck to you...

TX_Engr2RN · Aug 31, 2007

NewNurse16, don't be discouraged... It's good that your hospital is willing to look at each new nurses' progress individually instead of forcing unready nurses to be on their own. Take it as a good thing!

I'm a new nurse too, and am currently begging them to let me stay on orientation a bit. My preceptor and manager feel ready to let me be on my own, but I don't. I haven't even done an admit on my own yet! We'll see how my manager, educator, and preceptors think.

shmoofins · Sep 1, 2007

This happened with me too and I'm glad. I needed the extra time and while I still don't feel great about nursing (I've only been doing it 2 months...and I've only been off orientation for like a month) but I think it made me feel better about the whole thing. Go with it, it's not a bad thing. I wish I'd had more orientation, like those hospitals that give you 6 months of orientation. I'd love that, it'd be great to really have a feel for the whole thing before being on your own. 8 weeks or whatever isn't really that much.

the princess · Sep 1, 2007

go ahead and continue with the extended orientation...good for you...more knowledge, more help...GOOD LUCK!!!!!