Length of orientation for experienced nurse going to new hospital, same specialty

[0402]

I'm just curious how much orientation most people get when starting a new job in an area they have experience in. I start a new job in 2 weeks, and they said I get 6 weeks of orientation, with 5 of them being on the floor. I guess I hadn't really thought about it before, but I had kind of assumed I'd get about 2 weeks, so I was pleasantly surprised. I hear new grads, on this website, saying that they get 1-2 weeks in some places, so I thought that was a generous amount, but I have no idea what the norm is.

[evolvingrn, BSN, RN]

Im switching albiet a somewhat different area and getting 12 weeks......I think that is too much im going to be pulling my hair out at the end

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Heh. I got a hospital job - first - and got 6 days. Didn't work out very well.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

In my experience, 4-6 weeks.

[Biffbradford]

You might still be on orientation, but with loose reins.

[NaKcl, BSN, RN]

That is great that some places give 4 to 6 weeks of orientation.

Every place has their own routines and steps, so sufficient amount of orientation is necessary.

however, it reminds of my experience as a brand new nurse...

I only had a week. It felt like I was thrown in the middle of the ocean.

I had to swim very hard to survive.....

[cbcle]

Generally as long as it's the same specialty, I've had anywhere between 3-6 shifts after I complete HR orientation and hospital nursing orientation which takes about a week or two at most. I'd go nuts if I had to shadow somebody for any longer than that!

[MAGGRN]

I am a nurse manager of a critical care area and I give experienced nurses starting new on our unit at least 4 weeks. we have computerized documentation and that takes at least a week or two to get used to, plus new docs and new policies and protocols. I meet with the new colleague at least every other week with the educator to determine how ready they will be when the 4 weeks are over. If they need more time, we extend. New GNs get at least 3-6 months. I would rather take the time in the beginning than backtrack when mistakes are made.

[BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN]

It definitely sounds like a sufficient amount of time, maybeore than you think you need. But I wouldn't go mentioning that right away, until you get a feel of the hospital, unit, p&p's and culture. Sure, the nursing should be the same, but the way in which thru do things may vary. I've had this happen to me, and was in a position where I looked incompetent in front of a patient (b/ the other hospital that I worked in did this procedure differently). So it may seem like 6 weeks is a long time to watch (and be watched), just make sure you iron out anything that may be questionable or different from the way you practiced in your last job. Your preceptor will likely recommend you flying solo earlier.

[sistasoul]

I would definitely take the 6 weeks if offered. I got 3 weeks as a new grad and cried almost every day for the first year. I noticed though that most experienced nurses got 3 weeks of orientation also. i don't know why I only received 3 weeks. I asked for more training and was told no. One of my preceptors actually got me another 2 days. So, if they are offering 6 weeks that is great.

Congratulations on your new position.

[sistasoul]

I would definitely take the 6 weeks if offered. I got 3 weeks as a new grad and cried almost every day for the first year. I noticed though that most experienced nurses got 3 weeks of orientation also. i don't know why I only received 3 weeks. I asked for more training and was told no. One of my preceptors actually got me another 2 days. So, if they are offering 6 weeks that is great.

Congratulations on your new position.