New Grad/night shift Questions to ask DON

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So, I'm filling out new hire papers with the DON tomorrow. I've asked the staff developer a bunch of questions like if I'd be orienting with another RN, which I will be. I've asked how long orientation is, who my resource person is at night, since I will be the only nurse there.

I know I'm going to ask the DON if I could tour the floor before orientation and ask for any tips she may have, but what other questions can I ask her, just so that I get as much info as I need to prepare mentally for my first day of orientation. I have been studying from my Med/Surg book a bit and been trying to read up on RCFE Title 22 Regulations. Thanks in advance for your help.

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Only nurse at night?! How many patients? LTC or ALF?

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

A new grad as the only nurse?

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I think you should be asking yourself why you are going to be the only nurse, since it's Nights and you're a new graduate. Sounds dangerous and frustrating and ridiculous and wrong.

But maybe I'm missing the part about how you will be orienting on Days for at least 3 weeks with another RN. And that 3 weeks is the minimum!

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Truthfully, I was offered a new grad RN position for nights at a psychiatric hospital. I was going to be the only RN as well. I would have had three weeks of orientation and I turned it down because I didn't think it was a safe situation....Please think about it!:coollook::coollook:

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Pedi/Tele.

well for the question asked instead of getting the original poster all upset about her exciting new job. I would ask about scheduling, length of orientation, nurse to patient ratio, typical night, special tasks asked. Stuff like that. As you go you'll get more questions and you will have a chance to ask. Don't be afraid and congratulations on the new job! :yeah:

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Thanks all for your input. There are 30 beds in the SNF. I forgot that there will be 1 LVN as well as 2 aides. I do have about 3 months experience in acute care but was laid off due to budget issues. I am aware that that is still not enough experience but I will learn as much as I can during orientation and I have also have my ADON and DON as a resource at night as well as my night staff who have been there for years! If I feel that this is all too much to handle I will let my DON know and be on my way. But for now, think positive thoughts for me!

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