How much orientation

[MJB2010]

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?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

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.

[Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN]

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.

[missladyrn]

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)

[tojal1989]

12 weeks for me

[missladyrn]

12 weeks for me

What kind of floor? How much experience did you have? Sounds like a good place to work!

[Wave Watcher]

12 weeks where I worked on Ortho/Neuro.

[babyNP., APRN]

20 weeks for NICU (level IIIC)

[kenyacka]

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.

[Bonnie86]

Three months in Med Surg at my hospital.