ICU- specific orientation program

[hellerd2003, RN]

I have been given the task of designing a unit-specific orientation program for our ICU. Until now, the orientation has been a generic hospital-wide orientation . . . . you know, "tour the facility and then pair up with a nurse for a couple of weeks" for experienced ICU RN's. New ICU RN's go through a critical care course (2 months) and then are paired with a preceptor for 3 months. However, our current preceptor training isn't really specific on the types of experiences needed by the RN coming on to the unit.

The orientation that I've been asked to create needs to cover both the mundane (payroll, requests for time off, general operations of the unit) and basic core competencies (i.e., using our pumps, monitors, vents, setting up art lines/ CVP monitors/ swans, etc.). I need to ensure that the experienced RN is checked off on competencies, while still allowing room for the new RN to develop those skills over the course of their preceptorship. And the orientation needs to be easy for the preceptor to follow as well. Before I go about reinventing the wheel (if, that is, the wheel has already been invented)-- are there any ICU's out there that have a unit-specific orientation program, and if so, could they share with me how their orientation program runs?

Thanks!

--Heather

[Azee]

i am starting an icu internship next week. at our hospital there is a separate general orientation (to cover payroll, etc) and a separate nursing orientation for new employees. i am just transferring so i am taking classes through our company that our held at our hospital and our sister hospital about 20 miles away. the classes cover things like ekg, acls, cardio and resp meds, lines. i will cont to take these while i precept with an experienced icu rn for approx 12 weeks. i will also soon start an online ECHO education program that covers each body system from the icu point of view. i am told it is accredited by the ACN and takes about 12 weeks also. THEN.... in january i will take a cardivascular specific program that our educators have developed. i like the layout and it seems to cover everything. i like that can take these classes on my days off and will be able to apply what i have learned while precepting. we also get paid 4 hrs a week for the online program. let me know what you think?!