I don't think I'm ready yet.

Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2008

Thoc, If your director does not agree with the change, and they have already stated that you may have more orientation if you feel that it is needed, then I would take it.

With that being said, I know that you have fears of what others think and what they may say if you take more orientation.... as you already know, patient safety is number one, and any good nurse would not frown upon you for taking the extra time to learn how to provide the very best care. Good Luck~ Ivanna :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2008

Spread your wings and fly.

You going to have questions and 2nd guess yourself for a while yet, that's normal.

clairebearrn · Aug 18, 2008

I only have 6 weeks of orientation and have the same worries. This was my first week and was thrown in trauma!! !!! Still, I think that we will never get to learn everything in 6 weeks, 6 months or even a year...There is so much to see and learn...Just ask questions and every code and trauma-stand back and watch and if you're confident enough jump in!!! Good luck...We ER nurses have to stick together...:) oh and go for it ask for the extension...!!!! Don't be scared...its better to speak up than not to.

SFRN · Aug 18, 2008

I remember feeling the exact same way when I came off orientation in the cardiac ICU, the first time I received a fresh post-op heart!! Anyways, I always thought I wasn't ready--but there is a time to go with it....and remember you are NEVER alone..there are always others to help. Good luck!

gardenmum · Aug 18, 2008

Thoc123, what you're feeling is perfectly normal no matter how much orientation you've received.

I was in the very same position and was offered an extension if I wanted it. My preceptor, educator, and management felt I was ready but had no problem with me taking an extension. No one looks at me differently because of it. If you say no to the extension, you certainly cannot ask for more time later. However, if it offers you more comfort, then why not take it? I took just one week but that week felt like it made a world of difference to me. That's just my 2 cents for what it's worth. :twocents:

Once you're off orientation, you will never be alone.

Be patient with yourself.

StrwbryblndRN · Aug 18, 2008

Keep in mind too that if you do not acknowledge a need for more time, then it can make you a scary nurse for others. You should always be upfront with your deficits which includes needing an extension. Others will respect you more.

Your career is too new. Besides if you generally like everyone you work with then this will be a test for them. If they give you hard time then obviously you will know the truth of how everyone truly feels.

FERN-tastic · Aug 19, 2008

No matter how much orientation you have, you will feel nervous and unprepared. That being said, however, if you have the opportunity for more orientation, take it, if you want it. I tell all our new grads that if they feel they need more time, ask for it.

No one is going to think less of you for wanting more orientation time. The ED can be overwhelming. I would rather see a new grad being honest about their need for more time than one who doesn't take the time even though they need it.

chicagobsn · Aug 22, 2008

I just came off of orientation in the ER. Although I am not a new grad...I am new to the ER! I was lucky enough to get 3 months...what we did for my last month, was a 4 hour shift with a preceptor and the next four hours taking on the full load as staff. Its scary to be out there by yourself. But if you have a great team, you will never truely be alone. I ask questions all the time. I ask for help when I need it and help others when I can.

If you need more time...ask for it! I dont think anyone will think less of you if you want more time. I think it helped me a lot with dividing my shifts with half preceptor- half staff. I am more confident now than even a few weeks ago, but still feel like I have so much more to learn!!

Jennifer, RN · Aug 22, 2008

If you feel like you could use more time, ask for it now. Seven weeks is not very long for a new grad in the ER. You will never feel like it's time to come off orientation, you will eventually have to go it alone, but, I would take advantage of being able to stay on orientation for a couple more weeks.

impress0508 · Aug 22, 2008

I'm a new grad RN that is working in the ED. I was a tech in the same dept for about 6 months before graduating. I did my practicum in the ED and now I'm on orientation as a new RN.
My hospital just changed their orientation policy for new grads. They only offer 7 weeks of orientation. My director does not agree with that change and has said that if after the 7 wks, if I feel that I'm not ready yet, I could extend that orientation time. My 7 weeks ended this week.
I am horrible at second guessing myself, but I work with a fantastic group of nurses, techs and Doctors. I have no problem asking for help or asking questions if I'm not knowledgable at what I'm doing.
I'm afraid that if I ask for the extension, my co-workers and director will start doubting my abilities. I'm afraid that if I dont ask for the extension, I'm going to take on more than I can handle.
What should I do?

I believe in the best interest of the patients and yourself, you should ask for more time if needed. For those who would frown down, do not worry. You should be more worried about your safe practice than them. We all self doubt. You should go by instinct. If it is saying you need more time, then take the time. 7 weeks is short for a new grad. But make sure you also become involved in learning. I suggest for review of knowledge you go to freenursetutor.com. It is a great website to review nursing knowledge.

Good luck. :saint: :yeah:

yeepers · Aug 24, 2008

I'm amazed that any acute care area like the ICU or ED would give a new grad only 7 wks of orientation.

Coming out of nursing school I went straight to the ED but I got a total of 16wks of orientation before being on my own. If you feel that you're not ready then stay on orientation. You're better off doing that and getting more experience under your belt with a preceptor to oversee you then taking on too much while you're still unsure and risk the possibility of making a serious error.

Of course, this is all your choice but it seems to me that if you feel that you're not ready then you should remember that it's YOUR nursing license on the line. Not anyone else's.

Good luck to you!