How was your Orientation?

Hmmm well I just started orientation this week too and at my institution the first week of it is all in the classroom setting. Second and third week is shadowing and taking patients with my preceptor starting with 3 and working my way up to 5, ; I'll work during my preceptors' hours for 12, 12 hour shifts. That's when the documentation, routines, and hands on comes in... Then after that I am on my own but I am assigned a mentor whom I can always go to if I have questions and such. If more time is needed with a preceptor after week 4 then they allow it :) I hope you enjoy your new job. Let us know how the rest of orientation goes

-Abi

You can actually learn a lot about your unit just by watching and listening. It sounds like a good way to spend the first day, to me!

I'd suggest talking to your preceptor to work out with her what you'll be expected to focus on each day. For example, she might want you to shadow her for a couple of days, then concentrate on the paperwork, then take x number of patients, or whatever. It's good to have a general time table so you know what you're supposed to be doing.

When I'm a preceptor, I like to start the beginning of the shift by saying, "Okay, today let's concentrate on this..." keeping in mind my orientee's strengths and which areas she needs more help. I'll also look around the unit for learning opportunities. I may have my orientee work with another nurse to learn a new procedure, for example. Be alert to chances to do/experience something new.

It will help you a lot if you have good two-way communication with your preceptor. Ask a lot of questions: if there is something you don't understand, make sure she knows it so she can give you extra instruction in that area. And at the end of the day, take a few minutes to reflect on what you learned that day and which areas you need to improve upon.