New grad, job on MS floor, 6 week orientation. Freak out.

LovelyOverload · Jul 17, 2012

I'm not a nurse but I work on a med-surg floor and all of our new grads orient for 1 month. If you dont feel like you are confident when it gets closer to your 6 weeks then ask for time. After all its a teaching hospital.. Why wouldnt they? In the mean time don't stress out about it.

hakunamatata, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2012

I'm in the same position you are (huge Top 10 teaching hospital, lucky to have job as new grad,etc.), except I am orienting on the floor for 8 weeks. It's a stressful place, but I knew that going in. I am on my fourth week right now, and have gotten up to 5 patients (really it's four if we're looking at it completely independent). Have you just freaked out or have you freaked out in response to questions?

I was at first worried about being on my own (it's only natural), but then after some Q&A realized that I would be assigned "easier" and less acute patients my first few months on my own, and they'd work with me. Staff is super supportive too. I'm not too worried, although I know I'll be in a tizzy. I also am not a fan of bedside nursing, knew I wouldn't be, and really worry more about the future then anything. It's hard to switch specialties or go anywhere new in nursing nowadays...the good ole' days are over. Possibly at 6 months may try to get in OR or ER, can't decide what is right for me yet.

Anyways...I think you're feeling pretty normal, and six weeks is decent. Seek out some people you know you can lean on, that's what I've been doing in my free moments.

montecarlo64, BSN · Jul 17, 2012

Be thankful that you got that position & I am sure that you will be fine...Just pay attention & jump in to do whatever you can during orientation, while you have a preceptor with you..That way you will be more comfortable when you are on your own...And, you should always have a fellow nurse who can help you when you are out of orientation. good luck:)

woahmelly · Jul 17, 2012

Thanks all. I think it's more preemptive nerves than anything. I haven't even started yet! My preceptorship I had 6 pts on a busy tele floor, so I'm just worried. This is a huge opportunity for me. I guess 6 weeks is standard.

Dalla · Jul 18, 2012

Be lucky you have that much time. LTC only orients for 3-5 days for a new grad!

KenzieRN · Jul 18, 2012

I feel the exact same way. My hospital sounds very similar. Where will you be working, if you don't mind me asking?

sbostonRN · Jul 19, 2012

I think 6 weeks is standard. Find out if it's 6 weeks total (including the classroom stuff at the beginning) or 6 weeks of actual preceptorship where you're working on the floor with patients.

FLmomof5 · Jul 21, 2012

My first hospital had a 12 week orientation....and I thought that was a pretty good set up. My second hospital has 6 week orientation. I am glad that I had the experience I had before I got hired here! I believe the amount of orientation and or patient load should be partially based on the acuity of the patients.

In my first hospital we had 70% ortho surgery (backs, knees, hips) and the primary focus was pain management (PCA pumps). The rest of the patient load was anything, everything Med/Surg. On days we had 4 pts or 5 if short staffed. On nights it was 6 to 7.

My current floor had a combination of CHF and Peritoneal Dialysis patients. On nights we have 5 to 6 pts. (days has 4 - 5).