First Nursing Job - Orientation is HORRIBLE!! Advice, please?!

[nurselovespurple]

I just started my first nursing job and am almost 3/4 thru with my orientation. The first 3 days were beautiful but then it went downhill. I am working in a (non-hosp) facility where there are RNs and LPNs. There's no organization with the orientation process. No preceptor. Every time I report for my shift, I am orienting with whoever is on. I have experienced blatant withholding of info necessary for me to do mojo accurately when I complete my orientation and I am predominately being trained by LPNs. There just seems to be so much resentment. Any advice?? Thanks!!

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

This is an unfortunate situation but you sound like you are being proactive in wanting to overcome the deficits in your orientation. Ask for copies of the policy and procedures that are applicable to your work, seek them out and even make copies for yourself if needed. Be friendly with your co-workers but do not expect to make friends with them. Keep your high standards.

This sounds like the exact same environment of a LTC facility where I worked for a while.

Best wishes to you.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I completely agree with PP. Continue to be pro-active. Get copies of the checklists and other forms that are used to document orientation & use these as your guidelines. If possible, ask your 'preceptors' to initial or sign on the forms when they go over something with you so you don't have to repeat it for each new person you work with.

I am afraid this type of situation is going to become more common as employers cut back on educator positions in order to save money.

[nurselovespurple]

Thanks! I like the idea of having those who train me sign off on what I've leaned. I will give it a shot and see if they sign. I really want this to work for me.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Rather than have your preceptor(s) cosign your documentation, have them make a note on the chart like this: "Documentation by Nancy Nurse, RN reviewed. Agree with same. (or 'No deficiencies found'. or 'Changes noted as follows...') [signed] Nora Nurse, RN". This is how our hospital does it for students and orientees in both nursing and respiratory therapy.

[nurselovespurple]

Rather than have your preceptor(s) cosign your documentation, have them make a note on the chart like this: "Documentation by Nancy Nurse, RN reviewed. Agree with same. (or 'No deficiencies found'. or 'Changes noted as follows...') [signed] Nora Nurse, RN". This is how our hospital does it for students and orientees in both nursing and respiratory therapy.

Thanks!!

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