lies on the med/surg floor....

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · Jul 24, 2005

Speak up - if you don't feel comfortable being on your own, say something now rather than later. Cause once you're on your own, I doubt they'll let you go back to orientation.

PeachyOrthoRN, RN · Jul 24, 2005

You definitely need to speak up. We also had 90 days and we got those 90 days. You need to say something. This is something that was promised to you. Also there is usually some policy regarding new grads and their orientation, you could check there as well.

psalm, RN · Jul 24, 2005

...oh, yes!! Speak up! I needed more orientation than the average on our med/onc on nights. I felt really bad about it at the time, I took only 5 pts. instead of the usual 6-8. Some of my co-workers were irritated, but it worked for me and it wasn't forever. It still made me feel inadequate, but hey just put Pt. care and safety first. I also was floated to another floor and was supposed to take 10 pts during this period. I called house and said I did not feel comfortable or safe taking 10 pts on a floor I was never on, being a new nurse. She wasn't happy but she sent in an LPN to help so we co-signed the pts. the LPN had assigned to her. A pilot has a co-pilot, as a new nurse get what you need for your pts. best interests. Speak up.

grinnurse, RN · Jul 24, 2005

hey! i am a new RN working in a rural hospital on the med/surg floor! i was told when i was hired i would complete a 90 day orientation on 7a-7p shift, they had two positions available for myself and one other new grad. one day shift, one night shift. well........ i have been working for 6wks, i was informed last week that both myself and the other new grad would be working nights...but the worst part is i found out w/ the new schedule 2 days ago, that i only have 2 more shifts of orientation! YIKES! i was told i had 90 days... longer if i need it it!...... i am very scared being the "new" nurse and all....should i say heck no! i want my other 7 weeks of orientation???? i think it is just too risky....i worked hard to get this license, and i sure don't want to lose it being let loose on my own too soon! what do you guys think???

I was in your same shoes not too long ago except my orientation was to last 6 wks or maybe longer if I felt I needed it. About 3 weeks after I started they said that it was only going to be 3 weeks. I freaked out! Went to my supervisor and told her there was no way I was ready to do that and she extended it back to the full 6 weeks of which I was promised. The nurses that I worked with were also HOT!!! I had really contemplated leaving that hospital and finding somewhere that would have stood by their word. Luckily I didn't have to and just started this past week on my own. The most important thing is that if you don't feel ready to go on your own, fight for the full 90 days or look for another job. Stand your ground......we did work too hard for out licenses and deserve what was promised to us.

Good luck to you getting your full time for orientation. Keep us posted on how it goes. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Jul 24, 2005

I agree with the others--get that orientation. You need it as much as your patients do!

Stella-Ohio · Jul 27, 2005

I feel so lucky to be on a floor that is great about having new graduates around.

I'm on my second week of orientation and the boss has schedule my entire orientation period out. (Yes, she could change it, but I have worked as a tech on the floor for 8 months and know she won't do that to me).

I have not had a single nurse yet (even on the shift I am orienting with and did not 'tech' with them), be unwilling to help me out regardless of if I'm just stuck on a computer screen, unsure about a medication or procedure on anything. The secretary has been around for about 30 years and she is always willing to bail me out of jams she can help fix.

I feel very blessed to be on the floor I have chosen (med/surg with renal and telemetry)

I really can't wait to go back to nights where I really do know everybody and have worked with them in the past. I expect that to go even smoother than my nearly flawless orientation thus far. One nurse whom I think is great is changing to a traveler position is even holding off her change to orient me on nights before she goes.

Some docs have been jerks but others (whom I have no idea who even told them) have come up to me and congradulated me on my RN status, and been very patient with me (talking slower an/ord explaining further than they will in the future once I am more experienced.)

Overall I give my orientation an A+

angtxrn · Jul 27, 2005

hey guys! thanks for all your encouragement....ya'll helped me stand up for what is right. i got my 90 days. i left a communication for the unti manager, and she changed the schedule. wohooo...not even an evil eye! my oreintation has been great!!!!!! the nurses have been so good to me...i even had a discrepancy w/ MORHINE in the pyxis last night....was trying to explain to pharm tech and charge what i had goofed up on!! he he! that was fun. the nurse that witnessed the waste was also present, who i am sure was fuming, too! one of the other nurses from the floor and said i know exactly what she did.....she so took up for me, and didn't even have to get involved! after she stepped up, it seemed that charge and everyone were a little more understanding what i had done. i put in 5 sdv instead of 5mg...oops! he he...anyways count was right, just pyxis was off....shew! but all the nurses have been great, they even come up and ask if i am ok, and how i am doing! wonderful group. i was just really wiggin about the orientation cut short! but all is good...and i have a smile again.....thanks ya'll