New Grad orientation question

autism4life, ADN, LPN, RN · Sep 22, 2021

That is actually a pretty long orientation for LTC. We usually only gave 3 days. With that said, LTC is not for everyone. 20+ patients, while this may seem like a lot, is actually quite good. My average assignment as an LPN in LTC was greater than 25. Soak up what you can, as quickly as you can. Do not be afraid to ask the CNAs for help (within their scope) they have seen it all, and often can help answer questions. Good luck!

Dawna, LPN · Sep 23, 2021

I

Dawna, LPN · Sep 23, 2021

23 hours ago, autism4life said:

That is actually a pretty long orientation for LTC. We usually only gave 3 days. With that said, LTC is not for everyone. 20+ patients, while this may seem like a lot, is actually quite good. My average assignment as an LPN in LTC was greater than 25. Soak up what you can, as quickly as you can. Do not be afraid to ask the CNAs for help (within their scope) they have seen it all, and often can help answer questions. Good luck!

Thanks? 3 days for new nurses or experienced ones? I'm OK with the 20 pts on the LT but on the rehab floor that's tough.. it also has a covid section too.. having to gown up will slow it down too .. anyway I asked the other nurse yesterday and she said that's crap, there was always 2 lpns on the rehab floor so I'm gonna stay on the LT floor.. I feel a little stronger after yesterday doing half a med pass and stuff.. thanks for the advice.. oh and my nephew is autistic, one of a kind kid ?

Rachana Ra · Sep 23, 2021

I’m facing the same issue. In my home state NJ, they give 4-5 weeks of training. They usually put new nurses on the long term side, so that you get to know your patients and build upon your skills. Here in Dallas, everyone keeps saying the same thing: 3 days and then they put me on the rehab side. This has happened to me twice already. Personally, I feel unsafe and I feel like I don’t have anyone to help me. The CNA can only do what is within their scope. The med aide can’t help you with any skilled care (if you happen to have one). My DON was usually MIA. All I can say is try it out and see how it goes. I hope you have better luck than me.

Dawna, LPN · Sep 24, 2021

1 hour ago, Newlvn said:

I’m facing the same issue. In my home state NJ, they give 4-5 weeks of training. They usually put new nurses on the long term side, so that you get to know your patients and build upon your skills. Here in Dallas, everyone keeps saying the same thing: 3 days and then they put me on the rehab side. This has happened to me twice already. Personally, I feel unsafe and I feel like I don’t have anyone to help me. The CNA can only do what is within their scope. The med aide can’t help you with any skilled care (if you happen to have one). My DON was usually MIA. All I can say is try it out and see how it goes. I hope you have better luck than me.

Ugh that's crazy.. ya this is my first nursing job, I would FREAK if I only had 3 days.. the thing that sucks is I really like my preceptor and the aides but I'm on a different shift right now so I don't even have any rapport with the people I'll actually be working with..

Rachana Ra · Sep 24, 2021

Trust me. I spent the entire time freaking out. I’m not even sure how I managed to stay afloat. The norm of a 3 day orientation is a joke.

That happened to one of my friends from the program. They trained and oriented him on one unit and then threw him on an entirely different unit with completely different staff and patients. He decided to go elsewhere and he’s much happier at his new facility. I’m just happy to hear that you actually had access to a preceptor. That means that other facilities within your state may be willing to do the same. Stay positive. I’m sure something will work out.

Dawna, LPN · Sep 27, 2021

We all decided for the best to start on the LTC floor instead of ST rehab.. that's just too much for a new nurse the admin said and I agree.. I precept tonight with my actual floor and shift so hoping it's a good crew..

Dani_Mila, BSN, RN · Oct 15, 2021

Hope you are doing well with your new job. I was a brand new nurse at the rehab floor. I had 6 weeks orientation. I did 4 weeks on days then I transitioned to nights. I think you should have started on rehab floor. That is where you will most skilled stuff and probably work yourself to LTC.

Dawna, LPN · Oct 16, 2021

On 9/23/2021 at 6:14 PM, Newlvn said:

I’m facing the same issue. In my home state NJ, they give 4-5 weeks of training. They usually put new nurses on the long term side, so that you get to know your patients and build upon your skills. Here in Dallas, everyone keeps saying the same thing: 3 days and then they put me on the rehab side. This has happened to me twice already. Personally, I feel unsafe and I feel like I don’t have anyone to help me. The CNA can only do what is within their scope. The med aide can’t help you with any skilled care (if you happen to have one). My DON was usually MIA. All I can say is try it out and see how it goes. I hope you have better luck than me.

I can't see even as an experienced nurse how you can only manage with 3 days.. I mean it takes a little bit to learn where everything is, their systems, and especially if you've dealt with the cardex and are going to the computer.. I would say a good week at least, more for new nurses..

Dawna, LPN · Oct 16, 2021

On 10/14/2021 at 9:46 PM, Dani_Mila said:

Hope you are doing well with your new job. I was a brand new nurse at the rehab floor. I had 6 weeks orientation. I did 4 weeks on days then I transitioned to nights. I think you should have started on rehab floor. That is where you will most skilled stuff and probably work yourself to LTC.

It's going OK thanks for asking.. I feel like I'm finally doing what I'm meant to do and I love it..I'm glad I'm on the LTC floor.. they did 3 weeks orientation.. they are very short staffed and apparently the rehab floor is a mess.. another new girl who is a lot faster than me wanted to go down there, she did it for a couple days and said no way.. it's one nurse, 4 g-tubes, heavy wounds.. took a VERY good nurse over 3 hours to do her first med pass because of all the stuff going on.. and they have quarantine on there too so you're gowning up for like 6 rooms.. does suck because you're right, learn a lot more there.. my idea is that once I gain more experience under my belt I can switch to there, I really want to be a wound nurse some day.. I also enjoy the pysch pts too though (I know, im crazy LOL)