Published
Just curious -- how long what is the average length of orientation for new grads - based on my experience and friends etc its generally 6 - 8 weeks.
Does this match up with all of you?
I work in a long term acute care facility. About 85% of our census are multi-system failure vent patients. We get 19 weeks (the first 90 days of employ) for orientation & training...average nurse/patient ratio is 6-7:1. We spent 1 1/2 weeks in a class room doing review first. I really didn't mind that because I saw it as a really nice review for NCLEX.
6 months for CCU.....it included classroom time (Critical care course, EKG 101 and 201, hemodynamic monitoring and how to read a 12 lead EKG), going to specialty units like the OR, GI lab, and Specials ( where the get PICC lines, spinal taps, and stress tests), and than actually being on the unit for your 12 hours shifts.
I thought this was really good because you were able to see the procedure and it helps you better explain it to your patients and their families.
I beleive that I got a pretty ok orientation....but I don't think any new grad feels completely comfortable coming off no matter how long you get.
angel337, MSN, RN
899 Posts
2 years is too long. i would worry about any nurse that needed that much orientation. and what hospital will pay for that?? i think that if you weren't comfortable after 6-9 months, it would be time to reevaluate career options.