How much training should a new nurse get??

[nursedarlene]

Hi.....I am a new nurse.....I passed my NCLEX 2 weeks ago. Until I went to nursing school, I have never been a CNA, or worked in health care otherwise. I am currently working in LTC(85 beds), and have been a CNA there for 5 months B4 I passed NCLEX. My problem is that as soon as I passed boards, they gave me 4 days training on the med cart, and I am now on my own. I dont feel like this was enough training for a new nurse. I asked the ADON why I couldnt get more training and she said because our census was low, and we were over budget.(they cant afford to have 3 nurses on the night shift). Due to this, they have cut us back to 2 cna's, and 2 nurses. So this means that the other nurse and myself have to do CNA work on 2 halls. I dont have a problem doing the CNA part, but I am new.....slow....scared......and I check and double check q thing. After doing my med pass...charting....doing labs.....all the other paper work, and CNA work.... then its time for the next med pass, and I feel like I dont have time to check on my pts like I should be. Everyone says that I will get faster, and understand things more, and I will get used to it. Yes......one day I know I will, but until I can I think I need more training.....or cut back on the # of pts that I am responsible for. I have friends who work at the hospital, and have been a CNA for 6+ years, and the hospital gives them 6 wks training....which I think is wonderful. I am wondering is it like this in q LTC facility?? Is this normal/fair?? Please give me your input................Thanks!!!! :)

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

That sounds horrible!!!

I got that kind of orientation nearly 25 years ago and *I* already had experience as a nurse. I left that job the first week.

I believe that you are not going to do anything but burn out FAST!!!

Is there some reason you didn't go to a hospital for a short term of nursing there? I know that LTC seems a bit slower but that is deceiving. Two nurses, one with 2 weeks of experience is NOT RIGHT!!!

If I remember right you are up above Maggie?

Is Asheville too far? There are a couple of good places there. I mean by too far, anything within 45-60 minute commute. (I did a 90 min commute for 22 years.)

Let me know how it goes OK?

[MollyJ]

I agree with the above poster. Tell them you need more orientation. I think they are trying to scag by without a CNA and they just want you to do double duty.

I remember seeing a guy I know who had been an LPN in our hospital finish his RN and he virtually got the usual orientation, which back then was 6 weeks, I think. He was comfortable increasing his load a little quicker than the average new grad and we probably gave him more rope sooner than other new grads.

You are in a whole new role with new responsiblities. Tell them you want orientation using the usual approach (could it be they don't have a usual approach?) or you are out.

[oramar]

You have to give the DON at this facility credit. She admits the lack of proper orientation is due to budget problems. My experience is that mostly they tell you there is something wrong with you cause you can't handle things. Her honesty is refreshing.

[PhantomRN]

I agree that it is a nice change to have the DON admit that you cant be oriented because of budget restraints. I think the bigger issue for you is that you do not have any support. You are cruising around the floor getting things done, but you are unsure if you are missing things because no one is around to tell you.

That is a big concern. You need to have people around to bounce things off of and guide you when you get off track. That is really what the preceptors role is anyway.

I would either request a different shift so you can have the support of the other nurses or change your job.

[mistersleepy]

I don't mean to sound overly flippant, but with the present shortage of nurses they give you the orientation you need or you work somewhere that will. End of debate.

[grandmanurse1]

I am a nurse manager in a long term care facility. We give our new nurses at least a month orientation. Then we assign the new nurse a preceptor. The preceptor is there for ANY question or procedure that the nurse has a question about. I seriously doubt the sanity of allowing a new nurse to work 11-7 with that staffing ration...too much can happen, too quick....I understand budgetary restraints better than most...and would never even consider putting you in the situation you are in...it is not fair to you or to your residents...maybe your state doesn't have a problem with lawsuits....but Florida does....and on that basis alone...would not happen at my facility.....

[KC CHICK]

I'm sorry to hear that you've been thrown into a 'sink or swim' situation. Doesn't sound like your facility cares much for cultivating confidence in new recruits. Are there any other options in your area?? I, too, am a new grad and have never before worked in healthcare. I'm in the OR at my facility and the training/orientation last for 9 months before I'm completely on my own. For your own peace of mind, and so you don't 'burn out', check out your options if you are not comfortable in this situation.

Good Luck.