HELP need advice on orientation at the hospital

[johnson0424]

ok i have not been in a hospital in 4 years and i am now in orientation to a med surg unit(worked one of these in 2001-2002). But I am quite frustrated w/ my manager...I have about 20 shifts to complete on orientation and she said she wants me to ask the charge nurse on the unit when i arrive about who i should orientate w/ that day...I on the other hand would like it spelled out for me such as you will work w/ "lisa" on mon,tues, "cindy" on wed, thurs etc. Is it too much to ask her this? I know they cannot predict call outs but i work 2 (12) hr shifts this weekend and would like the same preceptor for both days..

Also, I feel so clueless 1/2 the time. She wants me to take a load of patients and I am nervous about doing so, thus yet.

Any advice from someone left LTC to go back to the hospital and how much orientation did you need? Did you go at a "snails pace"? I feel that everyone feels I should be up to "par" but it takes a while to get back into the swing of things especially since I have been in mgmt for the last 4 years.

Also, what is a good way to get the 11-7 nurses give report on time? I waited till 7:30 to get report and it puts my day back...any nice way of saying it?

[CarVsTree]

I don't think you're asking too much to know your preceptor ahead of time. Also, it helps to have the same preceptor as much as possible. Also, it makes you even more behind in having to find someone the day of your shift. What if everyone says no I don't want to orient? Then where are you? Very strange, indeed.

As for the night shift nurses not giving report on time. What is the hold up? Is it because they've had a bad night and they're behind? If that's the case, helping them get caught up would get you into report faster. Also, take the kardex and write as much as you can so report is that much faster. How is the staffing there if night shift is so late for report. This place just doesn't sound so fantastic to me. Of course, I've only been a nurse for 5 months and am VERY SPOILED where I am.

Good luck.