My painfully long orientation

[NightOwl0624]

I guess this is not really a problem, especially when I read about other nurses' orientations that are just too short.

I just transferred to a different hospital within the same system. It is closer to my house, and on a floor that I am more interested in (oncology). They just hired 6 nurses - 4 new grads, one nurse with 1 year experience, and me - I have two years experience.

They are giving me the same orientation that the new grads are getting. They have this attitude that this floor is "the hardest and busiest floor at the hospital", but compared to the short-staffed, chaotic, inner-city hospital I am coming from, this place is like heaven. I already know how to do the clinical skills. I know how to pass meds, do assessments, and have routinely handled 6-7 patients on my old unit. I am pretty much on my own with a regular assignment (4-5 patients), occasionally ask my preceptor a question, and she looks over my documentation. (Some of the forms are slightly different, and they are very picky about how the forms are filled out).

I have completed 6 weeks of orientation and I really think I am ready to go solo, but I still have 2 weeks left. We had a short status meeting with management, and my preceptor implied that I am "coming along". I think she really likes precepting... and I really do like and appreciate her... but basically she has a very easy night with me doing 95% of the work and her spending maybe 15 minutes looking over my documentation. (She loves to chit-chat, and spends most of the evening socializing with the patients and the other nurses!)

I think my manager sensed that I felt uncomfortable in the meeting and asked me to email her this week regarding the rest of the orientation. I would really like to tell her I am ready to go on my own, but I strongly suspect my preceptor will not agree, and I don't want to start off on the wrong foot. Besides, I am sure I will continue to have questions for a while and don't want to sour any relationships or get a reputation of being too cocky.

So... what would you do? Would you be honest and let the chips fall where they may, or just suck it up for another 2 weeks?

[ckh23, BSN, RN]

I say follow through with the NM and let her know you are ready to be on your own. Of course she likes being your preceptor. Your are the best kind of orientee because you have experience and know what you are doing so you don't require the supervision like a new grad does. If you feel ready than I don't see a reason why you should stay on.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Just do the job and get through the two weeks. The most important thing in your posting that strikes me is not wanting to sour relationships. Now's the time to work toward being part of the team so when you need the others, they'll help you.

If your preceptor is using you as an excuse to be lazy, it's not up to you to fix her. If the manager doesn't see it...oh well.

You could tell the manager you're feeling comfy and also appreciate the time of extra support. Make it a win-win for everyone.

[llbCCRN]

I would try to stick it out. Biting the bullet and taking the extra 2 weeks of orientation looks a lot better than being difficult or arrogant. You also don't want to be thrown under the bus by other nurses... we all know that happens. Best to keep on good terms with everybody there.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

take the extra two weeks of orientation. it's going to be better for your work relationships, and you might discover that you learn something new.

[FancypantsRN]

I have faced this as well, mine was 12 weeks orientation (same as the new grads hired with me) on a CV step-down. I had just come from the same floor somewhere else and had about 3 years experience. Needless to say, everyone wanted to take turns being my preceptor bc I really only had policy questions and needed no other help. I say just finish out the orientation, it won't hurt anything, just help with the whole relationship building thing. I understand how it feels though, it's just part of the whole "being new to the unit" experience.

[IMOKAY, BSN]

I'm still a student but I work in the corporate world...continue the two weeks with an enthusiastic smile.

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

Never burn bridges. It's only two more weeks and always trust your gut. You sense she will not be ok with letting you go early so just take the two weeks and learn as much as you can. Good luck.

[NightOwl0624]

Thanks so much for all of your replies. It just reinforced what I was thinking...

I was leaning towards just taking the extra orientation, unless my preceptor steps forward, and I don't think she will.

Starting a new job is nerve-wracking. Everyone is watching everything you do, so having the extra support can't hurt, I suppose. This has been a humbling experience.

However, you can bet I will be counting down the days until I am on my own!

[RhondaIndyRN]

Good decision, Michigan Girl! The extra two weeks will only firm up your foundation in your new speciality. Keep an eye out for new experiences you need to get more familiar with.

Take care!

Rhonda :)