Nov 18, 201114 yr Experts Does an experienced nurse get if they are starting a job on a unit that is new to them? What is a normal length for a hospital orientation? More Like This NICU, Neonatal Anyone dislike NICU during orientation, but grow to love it? 2 Replies Active 05/10/2026 05:07 PM Psychiatric How much more difficult is psych NP school than getting your BSN? 13 Replies Active 03/07/2026 07:07 PM
Nov 18, 201114 yr that will vary so much from one facility to another and one unit to another. Except for critical care areas, we say 2-6 weeks. Each nurse has to meet the same goals. Some get there quicker and others need more time.
Nov 18, 201114 yr As long as it takes to some degree. I have had as little as 1 day and as much as 6 weeks as a new grad entering the ER. I average (depending on the computer charting systems) 2 weeks. As experience varies, so does what it takes to get the "new to the unit" nurse up and running. To me the variables are the size vs. size of unit you came from, the patient acuity (academic tertiary care likely has variances from a community critical access hospital), equipment differences, standing orders and unit "customs" and the getting to know you, know all about you phase (including your usual suspects - those docs that you depend on) and the overall staffing pattern. I'd say ask for at least 2, hope of 4 and be surprised at 6 weeks. Good Luck.
Nov 18, 201114 yr I was told at an interview that I would get "as much as I needed to feel comfortable" which meant 2 weeks. I did not feel comfortable, asked for more and was told no. Make sure the person you ask is the person who makes that decision (not HR, but the Nurse Manager)
Nov 19, 201114 yr 12 weeks for meWhat kind of floor? How much experience did you have? Sounds like a good place to work!
Nov 19, 201114 yr In our hospital, all RNs get 6 weeks on our floor (med/surg tele). If they need more, they can get it, but they also sometimes finish early. They have a list of competencies that they have to have checked off before they can come out of orientation.
Does an experienced nurse get if they are starting a job on a unit that is new to them? What is a normal length for a hospital orientation?