New Grad and Unit orientation

[Bwick]

We are looking at our orientation process. How long an orientation are you giving new grads in different areas of the hospital? Medical, surgical, peds, OB, ICU, orthopedics, etc.

Is it all clinical or are classes included (what kind of classes)

Thanks

Sue

[cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN]

For my ICU, I got 6 months of orientation with a one-to-one preceptor including a critical care course that was 7 weeks long. I went to classes 5 days a week for the first week, and then once a week for the 6 remaining weeks. I worked on the floor for my other days. I had to pass the critical care class, pass an EKG class, complete ACLS, and perform a certain amount of procedures on my own (conscious sedation, dobutamine stress tests) prior to coming off orientation.

[mitchsmom]

I got 1 week general hospital orientation (4 days of caring and sharing = nothing helpful + 1 day of IV/pump type info); for OB (as a new grad) we get 12 weeks on the unit.

[NeosynephRN]

I am a soon to be new grad...I will be starting in ICU. 12 weeks formal orientation including ACLS, and any other classes. Some classroom critical care, and one on one with the preceptor. Then for 1 year we have a nurse mentor there for us. I can extend that orientation as I see fit.

[tsheriff]

I am starting my new grad position in the ER. And I will be recieving 6 months of a structured training program and I am excited. I feel that this will be more than enough time to learn my position, and thats why I accepted it.

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

I am working as a Nurse Partner during the summer and all through my senior year in the PICU. We work one on one with an RN and do all skills (except IV push drugs)--it is set up like a preceptorship. After I graduate I get 12 weeks of orientation and then 1 year with a mentor.

[moongirl]

I start in OB, with 6 months one to one preceptor. The first 2 weeks is classroom, then they will start me in post partum, then move me up to L&D