Holy cow! Now i'm confused!

ckh23, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

This could just be different training programs from different hospitals. Your friends hospital training program doesn't appear to be the usual that I see from different hospitals. The time you were offered sounds more in line with the norm.

Could it also be that your friend works in a specialty like ER or ICU that requires the extra training? I am also curious if your friend had to sign a contract with the hospital for working "x" amount of years in exchange for the training.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

can't compare one program to another....that would be an apples to oranges thing!

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

3 months sounds about right for a nurse with experience. However, if you are doing an internship, it SHOULD be for an entire year.

That being said, I don't know of an internship program offered for part-timers. Did they write you a different contract or something? Did they expressly state that you would definitely be in the intern program? I am confused as well.

Aren't you expecting an email from HR soon? They will likely have all of this written out. Keep us posted.

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

3 months sounds about right for a nurse with experience. However, if you are doing an internship, it SHOULD be for an entire year.
That being said, I don't know of an internship program offered for part-timers. Did they write you a different contract or something? Did they expressly state that you would definitely be in the intern program? I am confused as well.
Aren't you expecting an email from HR soon? They will likely have all of this written out. Keep us posted.

I got the email, looks like a regular job offer not internship. I didn't realize I was suppose to apply to internships only, but that's what my friend is saying. I said, I never saw NG Intern when applying. Feeling kind of stupid right now. :confused:

kakamegamama · Aug 12, 2011

Don't let your friend steal your excitement/joy at receiving a long waited for job. ASK if you are only in 3 months due to your experience as an LPN (doesn't really sound too far off the mark). Some places call any entry level training program an internship, regardless of the time. Specialty areas SHOULD be longer. However, in today's economy, hospital education departments (which often are the ones financially responsible for the new hire until they are ready to work independently) may have had to cut back on those length of times. Best to you & congratulations!

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

I'm confused....sounds like you're getting a 3 month orientation? That's pretty good in my neck of the woods. As an LPN on an acute care inpatient unit, I got 10 shifts, and as an RN transfer into the ED I got 17 shifts.

netglow, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

Near me it's 3 months for a new grad. I don't know of anything longer.

If you are experienced it's more like a week or maybe two and this is on your own, but you can ask questions and someone will be checking that you did everything correctly, etc., then you are totally on your own.

netglow, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

Just think positive! You might be with a small group of NGs. You will be so far ahead of them that it will put you at ease somewhat I think. I bet you will do just fine!

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

I'm confused....sounds like you're getting a 3 month orientation? That's pretty good in my neck of the woods. As an LPN on an acute care inpatient unit, I got 10 shifts, and as an RN transfer into the ED I got 17 shifts.

OH my! Whew! I know as a new LPN I got pretty short orientations. But the way my friend made it sound like it was the only way new RN grads get trained to work in hospitals.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

OK, Snow. Let's regroup.

So it looks like you are not in the intern program. You were hired as a new employee and have 3 months of orientation time. Thankfully, you have experience as an LPN and can easily catch on. You already know the flow of hospitals, work ethic, organizational skills, documentation requirements, medications, and prioritization skills.

You got this in the bag, baby!

Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise for you. You may have been really bored in the internship program, because you already know so much. Don't see this as 'short changing' you...but rather see this as the next logical phase of learning.

I think that this opportunity is perfect for you. How excited are you going to be when you get your badge and see RN after your name?!?!?

Relish in this victory. It IS a victory for you. I am so happy for you!

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

If you have a choice an internship or residency program is preferred because it gives you more time and attention to get used to the real bedside nursing and learn more. Training programs are different based on hospitals budget and nursing climate.

I misread what you said so they are offering you 3 month training program vs a year for another friend. Well a year would seem awfully long unless she was specializing in ICU first. But 3 months sounds fair, I think I was only on orientation 2 months at the most back in the day! Though could have used longer, plus some of the preceptors I had weren't interested in helping and just didn't want to be bothered. Some of the older staff would get annoyed when you asked for help, why don't you know what to do. Really! Give me a break!