How long are the average new RN orientations?

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Specializes in Public Health, LTC/SNF.

I am new to allnurses.com and this is my first post so I apologize if I do this wrong... here goes.

I just started at a SNF (I have been there 3 days) and I am scheduled tomorrow as the only RN for the evening shift. I think the facility considers me oriented, even though the three days were not really the best orientations to how the facility works, what protocols are, etc.

Is this typical? I received my RN through an entry level MSN program and so its been two years since I completed my prelicensure clinicals and as such am in need of new RN orientation. I am just worried that I am in the wrong place to start my career as an RN:eek:.

Any advice would be appreciated, because I am so overwhelmed and feel just nauseated at the thought of doing total and complete RN care for 20 people I have met twice.

Thanks to everyone in advance:D

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Good Ole LTC orientations! I got a 3 day oreintation and they threw me on a hall that I didn't orientate on and I had to fend for myself. It was really bad in the beginning but I learned some shortcuts and it got better.

3 days is not adequate but that what alot of them give you. Some have more compassion and give 2 weeks but those are private pay facilities. It will take you a while to learn the patients and the pills but you should be okay with 20 patients. I had 30! Just take your time and your speed will increase over time. It took me about 2 months to feel adequate.

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I started on a SNF unit right out of school with no prior orientation in health care. I was paired with another nurse for three weeks, then cut loose on a 21-bed unit with two aides. The workload included PICCs, IVs, feeding tubes, CPM machines, all manner of dressing changes -- anything and everything you would expect to see on a regular med-surg unit. There was no way three nights would have been adequate. Three weeks was barely enough.

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, Nursery.

No.

From previous posters, it sounds like this is typical, but to answer your question - absolutely not. I was oriented for 12 weeks at my first RN job and I still felt lost at times. I can't imagine only getting 3 days!!

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Specializes in OB, Peds, Med Surg and Geriatric Nsg.

I'm doing LTC and this week would be my 5th. I think my orientation is scheduled for 12 weeks knowing that I'm a foreign trained nurse that has a L&D work experience. Totally opposite to LTC. I'm still getting the hang of things, though there's no day that I considered quitting my present job. Everything takes time. Treat everyday as a new learning day, avoid shortcuts and practice time management at all times.

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Specializes in Public Health, LTC/SNF.

Thank you all so very much!!! I had my first solo shift tonight complete with a hospice patient on the decline, a new admit, and someone with a blood pressure of 222/86. All in all though it went well and I got everything done. Thanks for the advice, you all gave me the courage to keep working at it! :redpinkhe

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.
Thank you all so very much!!! I had my first solo shift tonight complete with a hospice patient on the decline, a new admit, and someone with a blood pressure of 222/86. All in all though it went well and I got everything done. Thanks for the advice, you all gave me the courage to keep working at it! :redpinkhe

Glad it worked out. 22 patients is a very doable assignment.Keep at it and you will learn the med pass and be able to do it with your eyes closed. LOL!!!

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

I got 3 days (well, nights) on psych as a new grad. I left there after a year to work med/surg, and got 2 weeks of orientation for that.

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I recently graduated and got a job on a medical foor, they gave me 12 weeks orientation. I also work per diem at a LTC care facility where I recieved 2 weeks of orientation. Funny thing I feel much more confident at the LTC facility where I recieved less orientation and have way more patients and autonomy. There is just so much to know on a medical floor everyday I have a patient with something I ve never encountered before. Even though I am off orientation now I ask a million questions of my peers ...no one seems to mind... yet:)!

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Specializes in ED.

I work in the ED, my orientation was 12 weeks. Some of my other new grad friends only had 6 or 8 on medsurg and tele floors. My ICU friends have at least 12 as well.

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Anglkses, I couldn't find a way to pm you but I was wondering if you regret getting your RN through an entry level MSN program? I am thinking of doing that but wonder if anyone would hire or respect a RN-MSN who has little clinical experience?

How hard was the program and do you regret it? Do you think you should have gone another path to get your RN?

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