Is it rude to request additional shifts of orientation?

[ThatOneRN_]

Is 5 weeks supposed to be enough for a newer nurse switching specialties (to ER)? Would it be rude to say that I still don’t feel ready and request more training?

[dream'n, BSN, RN]

Absolutely not rude

[HiddencatBSN, BSN]

5 is skimpy. We have a 10 week orientation for experienced nurses in my ED.

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

Not rude at all. Be prepared that there is the possibility that they may say no.

[Sour Lemon]

On 11/24/2020 at 7:40 PM, ThatOneRN_ said:

Is 5 weeks supposed to be enough for a newer nurse switching specialties (to ER)? Would it be rude to say that I still don’t feel ready and request more training?

It's not rude, but consider that you won't come off orientation knowing everything ...just enough to get started and know what your resources are.

If you have good support, like competent and available charge nurses, a shorter orientation might be okay. If you're getting the most severe patients and have no one to turn to for help, you need a five year orientation and maybe a new job ?

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

It is never rude to let people know what you need to be a safe nurse. 

[ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN]

If you do not feel ready, then speak up and tell them. You would do yourself a disservice if you came off of orientation too early and knew that you were not ready.. You should ask for a couple more weeks and see how that goes. I wish you luck! Remember, you will not completely be 100% when you are done orientation, you need to get your own flow and feel for things. There is always other nurses and the charge to ask questions and for help. You cant possibly know everything about everything that comes walking through the doors of a busy ED! We are always learning..

[LibraNurse27, BSN, RN]

Are you a new grad in the ER or a nurse with other experience but new to the ER? 5 weeks sounds short either way, but 5 weeks for a new grad in any specialty, especially a high acuity one, sounds too short to me. My hospital gives 10-12 weeks even for those transferring from a different specialty. 

[RNperdiem, RN]

You can ask, but you need to be specific about what you want and why.

Asking for an extension in orientation is an expense, and it helps to come prepared with justification beyond not feeling ready.

You can mention that that during your ED orientation you did not get a chance to take care of any/enough trauma patients/pediatric patients/OB emergencies etc. Or you didn't get a chance to do some important to the job procedures or nursing interventions.

Think about what area you need the most help in. After orientation, most of us never feel truly comfortable. That comes with experience. A good working relationship with other nurses you can go to for help, and knowing where to go look up policies and procedures will get you started.

[Crystal-Wings, LVN]

Of course it wouldn’t be rude.