In training but not learning anything

[Sensoria17]

Has anyone ever experienced this? I'm starting my second week now at a SNF and I'm not really being shown anything. I'm orienting with the unit manager who isn't doing any nursing tasks. She is telling me there really isn't anything to do until the doctor comes in:confused:. This is a very strange situation. I overheard them saying they didn't want me to train with so-and-so because they didn't want me to pick up her bad habits. At this point, any training would be good. They did say I would be in training for 4-6 weeks, but still, I'm feeling pretty useless.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

4 to 6 weeks of training? Wow, that's a lot of time. 3 days of training is the norm for the SNFs in my area, and then the nurse is typically cut loose to work on his/her own.

I've always hated following another nurse around while he/she works the cart, because I need to formulate my own routine to get through the day instead of watching someone else work. Just give me a very short (1 day) orientation to train me on how to properly complete the facility's paperwork, and I'll be fine. After all, we learned basic nursing skills while in school, and a workplace orientation is not paid practicum time.

Simply tell your unit manager how you'd like to be trained. If you assertively direct the pace and flow of your training and orientation, things should work out for the best.

[Sensoria17]

I did ask today when I would be placed on the med cart and she said it should be this week. We'll see. I showed her the check off sheet the DSD gave me and it was as my preceptor had never seen one before. On the plus side, it did seem to help and give her some direction.

[momtojosh]

we have a couple of new per diems that will be filling in and they are going thru training....just last night i had to show one how to do trach care/suction and changet he neck tie....she will show the RN and the RN will mark her off on trach care......saturday it will be changing a g-tube........i love teaching!!