Length of orientation for experienced...

[ShannonB25]

nurse? Hi everyone, it's me! I recently began working again after an absence. Basically I've been out of work for a good two years and before that I had 2.5 years experience in labor and delivery. I'm really enjoying the hospital I'm at now- good crew of nurses and the doctors seem pretty good overall as well. I've been there for 3 weeks now, and my orientation is supposed to go two more weeks, for a total of 5 weeks altogether.

My question is this: Given that I was out of working for a full two years, is this an ample amount of time to complete my new employee orientation at my new hospital? The nurse manager had me down for 3 weeks originally but I asked for more time right off the bat and was given the additional two weeks. Dare I ask for more (I still have yet to do a day in triage or PP, plus no c-sections yet either!)

What do ya'll think???

What should I make sure that I get in during my orientation period as well- I know it's not feasible to expect to get it all in, as some of it will just have to come during my months as a new hire.

Thanks!!!

[SmilingBluEyes]

Only you can tell for sure how adequate this is, or not. Many places, where you have prior experience, 6 weeks to 2 months is considered sufficient (it was in two places I went on to work with 2-3 years' experience in my background).

BUT---- if you feel you are still very unsure, I would speak with your preceptor and manager and tell them how you feel, asking for more time.

One suggestion: Is there some sort of orientation checklist you must accomplish? If so, this can be a handy tool. Look it over, and if there is ANYthing you feel uncomfortable about, be sure to address it before you allow yourself to be set out "on your own". BUT whatever you do, DO speak up if you are not ready!!!!!!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

[pgws0212]

I agree in that you should not be "pushed" out of orientation before YOU feel ready. Your previous 2.5 years of experience is basic at best. Five years is the least to be considered "expereinced". Besides, while you are considered "in orientation" your time should not come out of the unit budget, so that should not be an issue. I also agree that you should be working with a check list and your mentor and yourself should review it daily. Hang in there, it's like riding a bike, you may be a little off balance but the concept never changes.:roll Best of luck to you and keep us posted!

[daisybaby, LPN]

I took a new position in OB/GYN (LDR, PP, and GYN) after working only 6 months in a different hospital where I had only worked LDR. (Prior to that I had been a tech in PP and had done two internships as a student nurse in LDR/PP/AP). My orientation at the new hospital was a mere six weeks- two weeks each in GYN, LDR, and PP. It wasn't my choice to be done so quickly- we kept getting slammed, and it was a total sink-or-swim situation. Thankfully (and with the help of terrific co-workers) we all swam together.

If I hadn't had really great internship experience, I don't think I would have been able to be off orientation so quickly. That, and I am never afraid to ask questions, even still.