New Grad in Med Surg unit. Needs Advice!

Nurses New Nurse

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:loveya:i'm a new rn with previous lvn experience.

i'm considering a job @ a respiratory med surg unit. i'm supposed to get 6 weeks orientation with a preceptor consisting of about 36 hours a week.

i'm wondering if this is a good amount of time to be able to orient and also if theres anything i should do to make the most of this short time. is it acceptable to ask for atleast 1 more week? how?

plz plz experienced rns! give me some of your experienced advice! it would be greatly appreiciated!!!!:bow: :heartbeat :bow::heartbeat :bow: :heartbeat :bow: :heartbeat :bow:

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Specializes in Adult Acute Care Medicine.

At my hospital, 6 weeks is average orientation for med/surge.

There is no way to tell how comfortable you will feel until you you are orienting. If near the end of your orientation you feel that you need more time - just ask for it. Many managers are undrestanding and will work with your comfort level.

Can you ask your manager (before you start orientation) if it is possible to have more orientation time if you feel that you need it?

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I'm going to try to do just that...ask for more time before I even starts:) But thanks for the response. I feel better knowing that 6 weeks isn't so out of the ordinary.

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Specializes in ER; HBOT- lots others.

i was told 6-8 wks orientation. but by the time i got in for boards, it was a bit longer. i agree with the other poster, if you dont feel comforatable- ask for longer orient. but remember, even when you are done, you will still feel like you dont know enuf, but you do. ask many questions, do as much as you can with them observing.

gl!

-H- RN

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