help!

[Ms.RN]

I posted about this issue few days ago but now it came up again. I worked in a long term care facility for 4 years and was hired to work in sub acute unit that is due to open either next or in 2 weeks. I had 2 and a half weeks of orientation with preceptor and last week was my last day of orientation. A nurse manager told me she have few day shifts open and she's going to put me on the schedule on my own. I told her I'm not comfortable, manager said shes going to have a charge nurse looking over me and shes going to put me in the same assignment so I have same patients. I know in med/surg that's not going to happen because they are constantly discharging and admitting patients. Do you think two and half week of orientation is enough? Day shift is so busy even nurses there have hard time keeping up with everything. I dont know what to do!!

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I think you're going to have to do the best that you can. It is obvious that the facility is operating according to its own schedule. If you object again, I worry that they will find a way to terminate your orientation.

Do you best, and use the Charge Nurse as much as you need to.

[jesskidding, LPN]

I personally don't feel like it's enough. It wouldn't be for me, but I'm just a student nurse working as a CNA on a med/surg floor. The CN tried to put me by myself after being with a preceptor for only 2 weeks and I was supposed to get 4 weeks.

I asked to have the entire 4 weeks with a preceptor and they were happy to do so. After completing all 4 weeks with someone, I felt much more confident when I was out on my own. Just be honest with them and hopefully they will be understanding.

Good luck to you and I hope you like your new position.

[Bernadetted]

I posted about this issue few days ago but now it came up again. I worked in a long term care facility for 4 years and was hired to work in sub acute unit that is due to open either next or in 2 weeks. I had 2 and a half weeks of orientation with preceptor and last week was my last day of orientation. A nurse manager told me she have few day shifts open and she's going to put me on the schedule on my own. I told her I'm not comfortable, manager said shes going to have a charge nurse looking over me and shes going to put me in the same assignment so I have same patients. I know in med/surg that's not going to happen because they are constantly discharging and admitting patients. Do you think two and half week of orientation is enough? Day shift is so busy even nurses there have hard time keeping up with everything. I dont know what to do!!

its not enough.. why would they just put you on the floor? desperation...the staff is overstress.. you need to speak up about your short orientation. but if you can handle and show them that you can. Initiative and leadership is probably what she is looking in you.. always ask for help if u are unsure.. teamwork is key

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

You probably have more together than you think....4 years in LTC is still experience, and you had to deal with a bigger load of residents, didn't you :)? Reiterate your concerns, and if nothing changes, do the best you can, and holler for help if you need it :)

LTAC can be busy, but I didn't find it as nuts as med-surg. And LTC is much loonier with meds...