I just got hired today but here the thing

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I thank my lucky star today, because I got hired right of the bat after dropped off the application yesterday. It is in a LTC. Yes, that how quick it was after many months of job hunting. However, here is the thing. I am hired for a supervisory role and I don't even have an RN experience to begin with. I was told today that I will be train by other RNs. The orientation will be three-five weeks long. After three weeks, if I feel I need some more time, they will let me. Is three weeks too short? How long usually orientation take place? I will be working 16hrs, two days a week on the weekend but get paid for 40. To me, they seem to be genuine and flexible. They appeared to be understanding what new graduates going through and be willing to let me grow as a RN. Can somebody explain to me what 16hrs shift called (something ballot?). I don't even know I spell it right.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Do you mean Baylor? That's what the weekend worker plan is often called and it's so named after the staffing plan created by Baylor University Medical Center to address recruitment and retention. The original Baylor plan called for the nurse to work twelve hour shifts on Friday and Saturday plus an eight hour shift on either Friday or Monday, giving the person a thirty-two hour work week while being paid for forty. Your schedule is a variation on that. Personally, I wouldn't work back-to-back sixteen hour shifts... it's much too hard on the body.

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Do you mean Baylor? That's what the weekend worker plan is often called and it's so named after the staffing plan created by Baylor University Medical Center to address recruitment and retention. The original Baylor plan called for the nurse to work twelve hour shifts on Friday and Saturday plus an eight hour shift on either Friday or Monday, giving the person a thirty-two hour work week while being paid for forty. Your schedule is a variation on that. Personally, I wouldn't work back-to-back sixteen hour shifts... it's much too hard on the body.

I don't have much choice within the location I am in. I need all the experience and I might have to suck it up for awhile. It is so hard to find a job here even in nursing field. I accepted the every other weekend shift. So I work one weekend and off the next. That is the schedule.

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I did work 16s on Sat/Sun at an LTC- but I'd been an RN for 8 years- I got pulled to management (was the weekend sup on the 16 hr shifts) . I'd be nervous also, being new.

Since you will have 5 days off, how about working PRN on the floor, for some hands-on experience (either at that place, or somewhere else).... the floor staff will possibly give you a hard time if they know you are going into a sup position just out of school. I sort of did (and got some temporary flack). But I also worked the floor...

Are you also taking an assignment? Or purely supervisory? If you're working alongside the others, it might help - I don't know. JMHO ;)

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

16s back to back are rough...plan to do nothing else but work, eat and sleep on your work days, and don't be surprised if you need the day after the shifts to recover.

At least it leaves you with plenty of time off during the week...I agree with xtxrn about picking up a PRN shift somewhere.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Is three weeks too short? How long usually orientation take place?
Three weeks seems like plenty of time to me, especially in a nursing home or other type of LTC facility. Although I have not been a nurse for a long time (since 2006), I've worked at several LTC facilities and have never received more than three or four days worth of orientation. In the area where I live, a three-day orientation for a new nurse is the norm, so you are truly fortunate that management is offering you three weeks. Good luck to you!
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I did work 16s on Sat/Sun at an LTC- but I'd been an RN for 8 years- I got pulled to management (was the weekend sup on the 16 hr shifts) . I'd be nervous also, being new.

Since you will have 5 days off, how about working PRN on the floor, for some hands-on experience (either at that place, or somewhere else).... the floor staff will possibly give you a hard time if they know you are going into a sup position just out of school. I sort of did (and got some temporary flack). But I also worked the floor...

Are you also taking an assignment? Or purely supervisory? If you're working alongside the others, it might help - I don't know. JMHO ;)

How challenge was it this shift for you? I am currently doing a clinical with a local agency for RN/BSN senior course completion. The role is not solely supervisory. I have to also take assignment and working along other RNs, LPNs, etc.

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16s back to back are rough...plan to do nothing else but work, eat and sleep on your work days, and don't be surprised if you need the day after the shifts to recover.

At least it leaves you with plenty of time off during the week...I agree with xtxrn about picking up a PRN shift somewhere.

I thought so too Meriwhen. I wouldn't be able to do so until I completed my RN/BSN program this fall then I might do extra PRN somewhere else.

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Specializes in intermediate care/medical/tele.

I agree! 16 back to back would be real rough. I am a newgrad and would not be comfortable with a new grad as a supervisor. From other threads I have read on allnurses, it does seem to be getting more common for newgrads to be pushed into supervisory roles in LTC because of short staffing. I just don't think it would be safe without experience. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose! :)

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