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

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2011

Three days of orientation is the norm at the LTC facilities in my area. When I was a new grad in 2006, I only received one 8-hour shift of orientation before being cut loose to work on my own since the facility did not have the staff available to train me.

caryrey02 · Jul 6, 2011

as a new grad I received 4 weeks of orientation then on my own witout letting me know, it it was good to eliminate the stress of knowing "today is my first night on my own" since 8 am in the morning lol

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2011

I was a new grad. I received 6 weeks of orientation (Monday-Friday). Four weeks was spent on the day shift and two weeks was spent on the shift I would be working 3-11p. Although by the 2nd week of my orientation, I was pretty much turned loose on my own. The preceptor was there if I had any questions or issues etc..but I felt comfortable enough to do my job without having some one standing inches from me. On the 4th week on the floor I had a preceptor who was there who had never worked that floor or unit..it ended up me orienting her to my floor..kinda funny.

Even with that much time spent in orientation, there were tons of things that had not been gone over with me and/or things that one would not think to tell a new employee about until it occurred. What really sticks out is that during that 6 weeks not once was I shown how to use the phone! I never even thought about it until I was on my own and heard a page that I had a call. I just stopped for a second..then realized I had NO idea how to use the phone. Had to ask one of the CNA's as the other nurse on the floor..also new..was not shown how to use the phone either.

IdrilRN, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2011

12 years ago as a brand new LPN I had one day on one unit. On my own the next day due to someone not showing up, but had another nurse coming to check on me every hour or so. Most places after that 3 days.

My current perdiem job 2 days on nights, on two different units. Still need to check out a third. But after all this to me anyway, med pass is med pass and treatments are treatments. I make a cheat sheet about how people take their medications and do it. For a brand new nurse I think they should have two weeks!