Mentor, orientation, or trial by fire?

Fiona59 · Dec 2, 2013

Three orientation days, two evening shifts with a buddy nurse and I was cut loose.

I've worked for three different care groups and that's the norm. Here, you only get a prolonged orientation if you go to dialysis, the OR, or cardiology.

TheLiftedButterfly · Dec 2, 2013

Good question. I find it interesting because in my case it was trial by fire. Fortunately enough, I only received one patient at a time with their diagnosis, medication, and all info before accepting the patient, so I was able to carry out all the proper research, but I did have to prepare all on my own and proceed on my own as well. I always had someone in reach by phone, but the thought was still daunting. Made me tough in my shoes though!

zeus&lincoln · Dec 2, 2013

Were you all new grads? That seems crazy to stick a brand spankin' new nurse with no prior health care experience and expect them to perform as a functioning RN no matter the specialty... Seems very unsafe to me. I am a GN in NICU and have a 16 week thorough orientation headed by a wonderful preceptor.

RunawayN · Dec 2, 2013

Were you all new grads? That seems crazy to stick a brand spankin' new nurse with no prior health care experience and expect them to perform as a functioning RN no matter the specialty... Seems very unsafe to me. I am a GN in NICU and have a 16 week thorough orientation headed by a wonderful preceptor.

That's what I'm wondering. I always thought that orientation would always be a couple of weeks.

SquishyRN, BSN, RN · Dec 2, 2013

Trial by fire. 3 days orientation total as a new grad LVN in a SNF with 45 patients -- 1 day paperwork and 2 days on the floor. As a new grad RN I got 4 weeks orientation in the LTACH I've been working as an LVN for the past year and the transition has been cake. It actually feels weird getting a decent orientation at this point since I've been accustomed to just being thrown into the fire for my entire short career.

applewhitern, BSN, RN · Dec 2, 2013

Five days of orientation, on a 44 bed telemetry unit. I was made charge nurse after just 5 days. I had never worked in a hospital before, nor had I been an LPN or assistant. The only experience I had was nursing school. I went to a school that prepared you well, though.

cassie77775 · Dec 2, 2013

Mine was a little different as I started my first job in a resident program with 16 weeks of orientation with a preceptor. Started by shadowing a few days and then performing with the nurse watching me and guiding, then I took on one patient for a week, then 2 for a few weeks, then 3 a few weeks and then 4 for the last few weeks. It was an amazing opportunity and really allowed me the perfect amount of freedom with a little bit of babysitting. Really helped me feel comfortable with providing competent care.

loriangel14, RN · Dec 2, 2013

I did my final placement for 12 weeks on the floor I was hired on.No orientation once I offically started working there.

gunrock · Dec 2, 2013

I was in a residency program and my orientation was 6 months. I had a 1on1 preceptor for that duration and after 6 months I was on my own. This was in an ICU for acute care my hospital have 3 months of 1on1 preceptorship.

K+MgSO4, BSN · Dec 2, 2013

I studied in Ireland. 6 months before I finished I was promoted to acting staff nurse was covering a nurse who had pregnancy repeated problems. Was defo trial by fire. I was the only student who worked night duty Christmas! But I did get paid so was a plus. After I graduated I was called in 4 weeks early to ED to cover for a person who had died. Small dept in shock I just got on with the job. No orientation they took my acting position as proof enough.

ausrnurse · Dec 2, 2013

4 days with a buddy (who was too busy to actually buddy me), then I was on my own. I was in a graduate program, and a specialty. I survived it (barely), and 3 months later was expected to be in charge. Still wondering why I haven't quit yet.