Getting cut short on orientation

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Dec 13, 2014

Why don't you ask your manager. She's probably letting you go early because of good reviews from your preceptors. I bet she would give you more time if you ask for it.

Birdy2 · Dec 13, 2014

Ya she asked me if I felt comfortable being on my own after next week and I said I think so and to give me until the end of that week to decide. It's just that everyone I work with is pressuring me into being on my own

RunBabyRN · Dec 13, 2014

Do you think that the nerves you feel are the normal new grad nurse nerves? It's normal to be anxious about being on your own for the first time. Do you know your resources? Of course there will be things you don't know- that's the case for EVERYONE. As long as you know your resources and limitations, and you advocate for yourself and your patients, you should be fine. It sounds like they're willing to keep you in your orientation, but feel that you are ready. Be free, little bird! :)

SubSippi · Dec 13, 2014

I only had six weeks on a tele floor. At that time I definitely did not feel ready (but six weeks is all anyone gets here, even in the ICU!). Everything ended up being okay, though.

What probably made the difference is that I was working on a floor with very supportive, helpful coworkers. There was, literally, not a single nurse who made me feel uncomfortable about asking a question, or asking for help. Teamwork makes all the difference, regardless of experience level, but especially when you're brand new.

Of course it's up to you, and a few extra weeks of orientation certainly wouldn't hurt. I just wanted to post my experience with the hope that if you don't end up asking to extend your training, you won't go in being completely terrified.

Murse1919 · Dec 13, 2014

I agree with the above post if your co-workers are nice and able to help out and all then it will make the transition much easier.

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Dec 13, 2014

i worked as charge nurse ccu 3-11shift the very same day I graduated, of course my school facilitated three weeks clinical leadership rotation on the same unit.........but that was over four decades ago.......birdy you are detail orriented, I can tell from your post......you will become a very comfortable nurse soon. best wishes for you.

Birdy2 · Dec 14, 2014

Thanks everybody! I feel a little better about it knowing that some of you have done it with that little orientation. I had just been told by all my nursing friends to take every day of orientation I could get, so I was freaked out when I found out I was gonna be on my own soon. Mostly all of the people I work with are very nice and willing to help with whatever. I just don't want to have to ask a million questions and have someone showing me how to do things all the time. There are still a lot of things I haven't done yet. I guess I'll just wait and see how I feel about it at the end of next week. Thanks again!

Swellz · Dec 14, 2014

My orientation was two weeks shorter than it was supposed to be. It just got to the point where the set up of orientation wasn't going to help me more than diving in. It really depends on your comfort level and the support you'll get as you begin. Did you orient on every shift you'll be scheduled on?

Birdy2 · Dec 14, 2014

I'm only gonna be working nights so different shifts won't be a problem. Im mostly worried about charting I'll have to do that I haven't done by myself yet. The nurse I've been working with likes to help me with that stuff and with putting in orders that way we don't get behind. Of course that means I don't get practice doing these things, so that's one reason I'm hesitant to be on my own. I plan on talking with her about this when I go back this week.

tarotale · Dec 14, 2014

"real learning begins when you are on your own." couldn't agree more... You will feel the same

Birdy2 · Dec 14, 2014

I agree that when I've been with nurses who let me do it all I am much faster, but of course more nervous.