Hospital Nursing Orientation

[Robinrmacd]

I hope this is an appropriate place to post my question. I am a "re-entry" nurse scheduled for orientation in a couple of weeks. Can anyone tell me what to expect for the nursing orientation? I understand it will be 3 days. I assume they will do some clinical skills assessment and I some "general medication" clinical assessments. Can someone give me some guidance as to what that might mean? Would it be drug classifications? Common drugs; dosages, side effects? I'm very nervous and would feel better if I had a clue what they were thinking so I could brush up. Any guidance as to what kinds of things might be covered would be most appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Robin

[rpv_rn]

If there is only 3 days orientation, it is a priority that the hospital review policies & procedures: job description (if not given at time of hiring), tour of hospital, confidentiality, HIPAA, general safety & post test, infection control & post test, emergency telephone numbers (code blue, fire, disaster, infant abduction, etc.), medication administration standards, possibly IV therapy, nursing standards, orientation to equipment specific to hospital (blood glucose testing, IV pumps, etc) and other P&Ps specific to your hospital.

These may be taught by staff development, self-study &/or with a "buddy" on your assigned floor.

[Robinrmacd]

Thanks! I appreciate your response.

[Dorito, ASN, RN]

Hard to believe it will only be a 3 day orientation. Even a seasoned nurse should be placed with a preceptor for a given amount of time. It usually takes a few days to learn the rooms and where all the supplies are. You'll do fine. Good luck!

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Thread moved to the General Nursing Discussion forum for a better response.

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

I did a three week! I did a lab like setting just to get use to the equipment they used (no stress, no testing), got familiarized with their paperwork and policies, attended a few inservices, and spent most of the time orienting with a nurse on various units to see where I best fit. It was very refreshing for me, and a very positive experience!

I think it should be done for all new employee nurses (not three weeks necessarily). And now that I am an agency nurse, I wish I could have some orientation for the hospital I call home base...it is just very helpful!