How long is the orientation period in the SNF/LTC?

neutrophil · Dec 17, 2010

Very hard to say. This is one reason why many don't hire new grads. It depends on your knowledge and experience and staffing needs.

Art_Vandelay · Dec 17, 2010

I received 5 days. Pretty inadequate, but luckily I had helpful co-workers so I learned after "orientation". Just don't be afraid to ask questions.

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Dec 17, 2010

Mine was 10 shifts.

agldragonRN · Dec 17, 2010

i received 3-4 weeks when i was a brand new lpn (2008).

i am still in the same job and received 6 days of rn orientation since "everything is the same as the lpn except for a few things."

CareteamRN70 · Dec 17, 2010

I just started as a new grad last month Nov 2010 and was told I would have 10 shifts to prepare me for taking over the night shift. I had 3 shifts on days, 2 shifts on evenings, and then on my first night shift orientation i was informed orientation was finished at the start of the shift and I was on my own. I was told later they cut my orientation short due to how well i adapted to the previous shifts so that felt good...taking over a shift as charge with 5 days orientation and not even knowing "how" to contact the oncall MD, the pharmacy, or staffing to deal with call offs...that was terrifying. Ive since coped and things are going well.

iSparks · Dec 17, 2010

3 days... On 7-3 then I went to 11-7:uhoh3:

Short-Stuff 23 · Dec 17, 2010

I had about 8 shifts. They trained me on the shift that I would be working. I am never afraid to ask questions. After orientation I still had tons of questions (meds, labs, Dr. orders, etc) tons of new things to learn. I hope that you have great co-workers to help you out:)

Ms.Motivatednurse · Dec 17, 2010

I was a new grad and ONLY received 6 days (2(8 hr shifts), and 4(12's).

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Dec 17, 2010

I had about 8 shifts. They trained me on the shift that I would be working. I am never afraid to ask questions. After orientation I still had tons of questions (meds, labs, Dr. orders, etc) tons of new things to learn. I hope that you have great co-workers to help you out:)

I was trained on the shift I was working.. 3-11.. right from the get-go. I never trained on 7-3.

I'm more comfortable asking questions .. I admit it .. I was afraid to when I was new. Which is why I tell new people that start. if they are working with me. .ask lots of questions.. don't be afraid.

I've been at my job for a year and I still have tons of questions about meds, labs, orders, admissions, etc.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Dec 18, 2010

My first LTC job, I got less than one day of orientation. My first hospital job, I got oriented to the IV pumps and that was it. I try to give new grads at least a few weeks, but the company tends to get irate if I give them too much. It costs a lot to hire a new person. I'd rather keep them on orientation long enough for them to get comfortable so they don't leave and go elsewhere.

pgirl0310 · Jul 1, 2011

I am a new grad about to start in a subacute and got offered 1 week of orientation on my 11-7 shift....I thought that was short but from reading different posts on allnurses.com it seems like the norm