Hospital Nursing Orientation

ZZTopRN, BSN, RN · Jan 23, 2006

Hi: I am also a re-entry nurse. I took a refresher class and the classwork and theory was the best. However, in clinicals at a large hospital that I was totally fascinated with all the outpatient surgery and procedures. Unfortunately, the supervisor for clinicals tried to discourage me from the very first day telling me I could not "keep up with the Young nurses." So if you are not over 40 they will train you and give you sometimes up to six weeks orientation where you can really get your feet on the ground. So I don't think you will have any problems if you have been hired. While I was in the clinicals, I saw a lot of excellent orientation and highly competent nurses, I believe because of the hospital education department.

I am curious about infusion myself because I think I would like to do it. But our instructor was not allowed to take us there because "the NM wanted a commitment, and she didn't want to give her that much power." She was shut-out completely from med/surg, a hospice, and 3 other hospitals on the excuse that there were too many other college students in all these places. She said we would have to be in infusion for our entire clinicals. I don't understand this. But I am looking into it because I think I would like to do infusion myself. From what I have been able to learn about working in infusion per say, is that you would be mainly starting, maintaining and assessing IV and medications. But of course the hospital would train you to do that. I think it would be a great opportunity for you. When I was endoscopy clinicals all I did was start IVs, and I guess you get into the other stuff later. I think what the other OP said about 3 days is pretty much correct, usual procedures for new hires. An introduction to the hospital and policies. I wish you luckk and would like it very much if you got back to me and let me know how it went. I really believe it would be great for you. I wouldn't worry about the med/surg experience. They wouldn't have hired you if you they had any reservations about it. Myself, I would never go back to med/surg.

Hoping to hear from you, and again, best of luck.

Jolie, BSN · Jan 23, 2006

Hi All,
I am a re-entry nurse. I have been hired into a hospital-based ambulatory infusion center. I am scheduled for orientation in a couple of weeks. I understand it to be a one day hospital orientation and a 3 day nursing orientation. I've heard that they do a skills competency assessment and a general medication assessment. Can anyone tell me what I might expect w/re these two areas? I've been a legal nurse consultant for the past 10 years and my previous hospital experience was OR and Labor & Delivery/Maternity. I've never worked a med/surg floor. I am terrified that they are going to hit me with something for which I am unprepared. I would love to be able to study some - especially the medication area. Any direction would be appreciated.
Thanks, Robin

Why not call the nurse recruiter and ask for study materials for the med test? The last time I had to take a med test, I was given a list of likely meds to study ahead of time. They can't put you to work if you don't pass the test, so I think they would be willing to help you prepare. Also, they know you have been out of clinical practice for awhile, and since so many new drugs are in use, they must realize that you will need to brush up! Good luck!

Robinrmacd · Jan 24, 2006

Thanks so much for your suggestion. When I speak with the recruiter I ask them for study materials.

R