New Grad Orientations vs. Regular Orientations?

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2011

If you know where you want to specialize and have the opportunity to do so with a good orientation, DO IT. Don't take a detour to something you don't want just because "everyone says" you should (besides, opinions are actually pretty mixed on this).

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Jul 24, 2011

I know a lot of new grad orientation programs are very thorough, lasting like 3 months and sometimes holding your hand through it. But what about the orientation if you're transferring from your first year of med/surg, for instance?
I'm asking because I think I want to end up in Peds and can't decide whether to make my first "new grad" experience in Peds or general adult Med/Surg, as some people recommend doing. If I go straight to Peds, I'll have the benefit of getting a really comprehensive, long orientation on the floor of my specialty. If I "use up" my New Grad orientation on Med/Surg, does that mean that when I move to Peds in 6 months or a year that I won't get the same kind of thorough orientation as I would if I had done Peds as a newbie? Would it actually be a bad idea to start off on med/surg for that reason?
Any information would be appreciated! :)

A lot will depend on how your hospital/unit does it. I started on Peds. We have some adult overflow. (pretty easy patients) My director runs a few units. After 6 months she will have us Peds nurses cross train in the other areas incase we need to float because we can have low census sometimes and close our unit. That way we still get our hours and stuff. But the other nurses don't cross train in Peds. So no one to float to us. So although I am in peds, I will get trained well in Peds but still won't lose out on working with adults too.

netglow, ASN, RN · Jul 24, 2011

I'd just concentrate on getting an offer. No matter what it is. Check out the facility to make sure especially if HH or hospice if you can because some are shady. But if the facility sounds clean just take the first offer.

Generally speaking, this is what I've heard. Your example is - what if you begin in medsurg and then transfer to peds. That is a big jump. You probably would get a pretty decent orientation time - same with a jump to ER, or LD or OR. BUT, none of the basics as you would now be an experienced acute care nurse, you will not have hand-holding. You will be required to find your way with minimal direction, which means you must study and learn the practices of that unit with thier support. I have a friend who is underwater just changing facilities within the same specialty. I think the person expected a similar orientation as was had as an NG several months ago. But an NG no more, they expect her to hit the ground running. She was a bit shell shocked to say the least. This is what they mean when they ask for 1+ years experience. Nobody is going to teach you anymore, you will be given guidance and access to learning, but you figure it out now.

Lub-Dub · Jul 25, 2011

This is all great advice, thank you! From what everyone is saying it seems like I really should aim for what I want, rather than do it in a round-about way. This new-grad orientation will come literally once in a lifetime, and I'd rather get it where I expect to actually be working. Still have that vague worry of what if i change my mind about peds... but i guess it's still always possible to change specialties! I also think about possibly wanting to do travel nursing at some point, and I wonder whether i'll be marketable with just peds under my belt. All things to think about i suppose. Thanks a lot and any other suggestions are welcome!!!