How long after orientation before you start on the unit?

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I am starting orientation as a new nurse grad on December 13th going through the 16th. Does this most likely mean I will be working through the holidays? I am a new nurse grad beginning night shifts.

I am hoping they start us on the floor after Christmas...but havent been told anything.

Just curious...I have no clue. haha! How long after yalls orientations did you start on the unit itself?

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Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

It's different for everyone. The best thing to do is to ask your supervisor about your schedule. How many weeks of orientation are they giving you? Personally, I received 3 months of orientation as a new nurse. I know others that received 6 weeks of orientation in the acute care setting. If someone is actually training you, they may not want you to work the holidays and other places may not care. Asking your boss is your best bet.

P.S. Get used to working holidays as a nurse. Holidays just mean 1.5 pay now, not vacation. :)

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It's different for everyone. The best thing to do is to ask your supervisor about your schedule. How many weeks of orientation are they giving you? Personally, I received 3 months of orientation as a new nurse. I know others that received 6 weeks of orientation in the acute care setting. If someone is actually training you, they may not want you to work the holidays and other places may not care. Asking your boss is your best bet.

P.S. Get used to working holidays as a nurse. Holidays just mean 1.5 pay now, not vacation. :)

I know I get 90 days of preceptor training. I will ask my new boss if I can find her contact info. They havent really clarified all the details yet since I havent been to general orientation.

and 1.5 pay is such a wonderful thing :D

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It depends on what the facility's policy is, how understaffed they are, and what type of nursing skills you will be using. One thing for sure no matter how much time they give you, you aren't ready till you feel that you are ready. Ask questions until everything is made clear.

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I have sent an email to my assistant nurse manager :) Just wanted to clarify it haha!

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Specializes in Developmental Disabilites,.

My hosp will not pay a nurse on orientation time and a half. So new grads have the holidays off.

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I don't think you will have to work they might just be getting everything in order before the new year and thats like the last real week before holidays get started and people in HR start taking vacation time so they may just want the paperwork done so that you can start right after the holidays

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My hosp will not pay a nurse on orientation time and a half. So new grads have the holidays off.

Thats very nice :)

I don't think you will have to work they might just be getting everything in order before the new year and thats like the last real week before holidays get started and people in HR start taking vacation time so they may just want the paperwork done so that you can start right after the holidays

Yeah that is true....you are probably right. :) I would rather start off the brand new year with my new job...clean slate ;) :yeah:

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

New grads will have the holidays off the hospital does not want to pay a new grad time and a half LOL! I'm off Christmas AND New Years.

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New grads will have the holidays off the hospital does not want to pay a new grad time and a half LOL! I'm off Christmas AND New Years.

lol thats a good point! thanks!

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

Not all hospitals give new grads the holidays off. I worked Thanksgiving while I was still being precepted. My NM wanted me on the floor ASAP, and apparently was willing to pay a new grad the 1.5 hourly rate to make that happen. (somewhat ironically, my start was delayed and I got Christmas off because I got hit by a car the day before I was supposed to be working on my own -- no broken bones but banged up enough that it was painful to walk for about a week).

On another unit at the same hospital, new grads hired the same time as me were given Thanksgiving off to avoid paying them the holiday pay -- so it may depend on just how badly your particular unit needs you to start right away.

Oh, and Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are not holidays and you don't get the holiday pay for those -- so even if you get Christmas off you might be working the day before and the day after.

Congrats on the new job and best of luck to you!

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New grads will have the holidays off the hospital does not want to pay a new grad time and a half LOL! I'm off Christmas AND New Years.

Not all hospitals give new grads the holidays off. I worked Thanksgiving while I was still being precepted. My NM wanted me on the floor ASAP, and apparently was willing to pay a new grad the 1.5 hourly rate to make that happen. (somewhat ironically, my start was delayed and I got Christmas off because I got hit by a car the day before I was supposed to be working on my own -- no broken bones but banged up enough that it was painful to walk for about a week).

On another unit at the same hospital, new grads hired the same time as me were given Thanksgiving off to avoid paying them the holiday pay -- so it may depend on just how badly your particular unit needs you to start right away.

Oh, and Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are not holidays and you don't get the holiday pay for those -- so even if you get Christmas off you might be working the day before and the day after.

Congrats on the new job and best of luck to you!

Thanks so much!!! :redpinkhe

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