Hello everyone, I am about to start my orientation on the Med/Surg floor this next week. I graduated in Dec, and am scheduled to take my boards on Jan. 24th.
I have worked on this floor for 3 1/2 years as a CNA and nurse intern, the last 6 months has been as an intern.
Anyway, my boss said she is planning on having my orientate for only 4-6 weeks, then she feels I will be ready. The usual orientation for new hires is 8 weeks. We are short staffed until I am done with training. What are your thoughts and feelings on this? How long is the typical orientation on a Med/Surg floor? Keep in mind we are a rural hospital, 29 bed facility with 3 ICU/CCU rooms.
Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.
My orientation on a neuro unit is not as long as I'd like it to be or what I realistically think it should be. That said, there is a supportive attitude among the nurses and I can request additional orientation time if I or my preceptor think I need it. There should be a little flexibility built in to the orientation time.
I was told by my unit director that my orientation on the unit is 9 shifts ( 3 weeks) then I should be on my own. I am working in a med-surg/tele unit (14 beds only) but it functions as an ER overflow or holding area for patients waiting to be transferred. My orientation is basically on a med-surg/tele floor for 9 shifts. Scary! But I was also told that if I feel that after 9 shifts I'm not comfortable that my orientation can be extended. By the way, I'm a new grad and just passed the NCLEX-RN....I am very anxiuos and scared....Whenever I go to work, I feel like I am about to lose my license.....Is this a normal feelings? I just want to be able to do my best and patients will find me good and caring.
HyperRNRachel
483 Posts
Great point. If you feel you are not ready to be off orientation then speak up. Have you asked if they will allow you extra time if you need it?
Rachel RN