LPN Orientation, help!

[milani888]

Does orientation for new LPN includes refreshing on how to do the basic procedures such as: insulin administration, catheter insertion, etc? It's been a few months since I did those procedures and the training was not enough.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I can only speak from my experience, probably not, or if so, not in such a detailed way. They will review policy and procedures, go over equipment that is different than the average, show the forms that are used, but probably not what you mentioned in a big way. Again, this is only from my experience. In most cases, you may get that if you are working or being oriented on the floor with an experienced nurse if it comes up. I remember asking similar questions and was told "This is not a program, this is being oriented to our way of doing business".

If you work with a great nurse or great team, usually someone will sort of walk you through doing some of the tasks that make you a bit uncomfortable. I work in a clinic, and am still a bit (no, alot) weak in catheter insertion, so, I would love to gain that myself. I am also not that great in hanging IV piggybacks. I do plan to get some hours in med-surg when I get the courage up to gain some of those skills, but wish to do it when a few friends are there for encouragement. I feel your pain.

[Fiona59]

Pagandeva is right, orientation is a time to learn how the unit works, paperwork, routines, etc.

Having said that, tell your preceptor what you feel weak in. On my unit they would have you hanging all the secondary IV lines (what you call piggybacks) for most of a shift. Many places require two nurses to draw up and check insulin so chances are you would learn that way. Foley's now there is a point of humour for many nurses. I hadn't had to insert a foley in nearly five YEARS until this weekend (I usually work evenings and you don't do many on that shift). I asked a coworker to come with me and actually alot of nurses on my unit do that because you may need a second catheter or a smaller size, this makes it easy because you don't have to remove your sterile gloves.

I know one nurse that hasn't removed sutures in a decade.

There is no shame in admitting what you need a refresher in, just don't expect orientation to fill up all of your blank areas because honestly that's not what its for.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Workplace orientation is a time to learn the inner workings, policies, procedures, paperwork, and culture of the unit. It is not paid practicum time to polish up your clinical skills. With that being said, nursing has been said to be a career filled with lifelong learning opportunities, so you are always grasping new skills on a daily basis.

In other words, simply ask if you do not know how to perform a skill or procedure. Learning new skills does not stop at the conclusion of school or the end of orientation. Good luck to you!