How were you trained in your specialty area?

[findingmywayRN]

Hi,

I posted this question on another board, but wanted to ask here also. When you enter a new area of nursing is there a typical/standard method of training the new nurse (ie. preceptor, classroom)? I recently was told of positions in critical care and ob/L&D where you were given reading and tests as "home study," then worked with a mentor for a few months (six months in cc, six in l&d). Is this a common way to learn? Has anyone done this? It seems like a strange and hands off way to learn things that should be taught directly, IMHO.

Just wanted to hear anyone's experience in this area!

Thanks...:)

[Jolie, BSN]

Starting out in a specialty area like critical care or L&D requires a minimum 3 month orientation 1:1 with a consistent preceptor. Most hospitals offer internship-type programs for new grads and those interested in changing their specialty that include both classroom study and clinical practice. And most will also set up (and pay for) the necessary coursework for certifications relevant to the specialty area, like ACLS, fetal monitoring, neonatal rsesuscitation, etc.

Run like the wind away from any institution that tries to convince you that "home study" and mentoring will sufficiently prepare you for ANY nursing position. I've heard of some pretty cra**y orientations, but this idea takes the cake!

[NeuroICURN]

When I started out, I had a mixture of things for training.

My orientation in the unit lasted approximately 12 weeks (more for others who needed longer) with a preceptor. I also attended classes for things such as ECG (approx 4 days), new hire orientation (2 days), gen. nursing orientation (2.5 days), critical care classes (4 days), and a boards review class (5 days). Also, we attended a few seminars (stroke conference, neuro day, etc.). Then there was ACLS! We had tests at the end of a few of the classes. Two of them were taken there and one was a take home test. Also, we are required to take our CCRN, so when it comes time for that, they will pay for ALL fees for that, AND they pay to send us to a week long review course for it!!! Now, that's unheard of!!!

Needless to say...our hospital and especially my unit is VERY BIG on education and continuing our education! Which is nice, let me tell you! It's nice to have a mgr. that is supportive of you continuing your education and will pretty much bend over backwards to accomodate your school schedule!

Well, take care!

:kiss

[kc ccurn]

Our new hires will precept 6-8 weeks, depending on their background. If they're never had any critical care experience they will also go to critical care class 8 hrs each week. In the middle and end of orientation, the preceptor, newbie and CNC or manager meet to see how things are going. If we need to extend orientation we will. Education in our unit is ongoing, even for the seasoned nurses.

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

As a new grad 11 years ago I was given 6 weeks orientation/preceptorship to a stepdown unit which I feel was probably insufficient. I had to go to a separate class a few months later to learn to read rhythms.

Trained to a new area little over a year ago (NICU) and I was given 3 months 1 on 1 orientation and also classes on the side (it was about 3-4 months long of weekly classes). There was a little bit of self-study given but that was a minor part of the learning. There was a long list of skills to be checked off on. Also at the end of the classes we took NRP.