How much orientation?

[loriangel14]

I'm hoping that you nurses familiar with LTC can give me some advice. After working in a hospital for 10 years I have recently started a new job in a LTC facility. I will be responsible for 27 residents. How much orientation should I expect? I'm feeling very overwhelmed. Yesterday I did an 8 hour shift and another today, both times with the same nurse. Today she was complaining that I was still having to ask who the residents were. Really? They have no means of identification besides some poor photos with their MARs. 27 people that are completely new to me, plus a new routine and charting. Plus there has been no real orientation to the charting. Am I overreacting?

I just feel stupid.

[Closed Account 12345]

I'd personally request 2 non-clinical days where you can orient yourself to facility policies, equipment, resident charts, look up the common medications you aren't familiar with (since that's just not feasible in real time with 27 residents), etc. Then, even if you get a crappy clinical orientation, you can probably figure out the resident care aspects of the job pretty quickly with your 10 years of acute care experience.

If they'd begrudge you 2 non-clinical shifts to familiarize yourself with the facility, its resources and residents, I'd be leery of the job in general.

LTCs are notoriously bad at orienting nurses, but since it's your license and people's safety on the line, I say challenge the system.

[loriangel14, RN]

I quit already lol.