New grad 6 weeks orientation?

VANurse2010 · May 12, 2015

No. 8-12 would be more appropriate, depending on acuity.

Swellz · May 12, 2015

I got 10 weeks, although I was told I'd get 12. Maybe you'll be ok with 6 but I personally don't think I'd have felt comfortable after 6 weeks.

abittooreal · May 14, 2015

my hospital also gave me 6 weeks... my preceptor told me (30+ years experience) 6 weeks isn't enough time. it took her longer than 6 weeks, and the patient acuity in that time was lower. she's worked with almost everybody there and NOBODY was able to be 100% self operational in 6 weeks, including the director. is it possible ... yes. likely, not.

forgivenfaith119 · May 14, 2015

I think 10-12 weeks is more appropriate for a new graduate nurse. I got almost 12 weeks.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 14, 2015

I received one 8-hour shift of orientation before getting cut loose to work on my own.

More orientation time is ideal, but the OP is in California where employers have the upper hand due to the glutted nursing job market. My advice is to take whatever you can get because you don't know when or where your next offer will surface.

SimpleNewGrad · May 14, 2015

Thank you so much. I think I would be fine. With 6 weeks. If I have a problem, I'll just tell to extend my orientation

abittooreal · May 15, 2015

I received one 8-hour shift of orientation before getting cut loose to work on my own.
More orientation time is ideal, but the OP is in California where employers have the upper hand due to the glutted nursing job market. My advice is to take whatever you can get because you don't know when or where your next offer will surface.

were you not a cna/lvn (not exactly a new nurse) before your RN title? i work with a couple of people who transitioned through the ranks and received no orientation at all.

i am also in california (los angeles) my friend got 3 months... go figure. but it's true about the job market here. i was lucky to land my position.

OP, put your best foot forward. "i'll ask for extension" might land you in the unemployment line.

suanna · May 15, 2015

6 weeks is pretty generous for a med/surg floor in this area. Critical care gets 6-8 weeks. Most new hires (new grad or not) are expected to be able to solo in 4weeks as long as there are more experienced nurses on the floor to resource if they get in the weeds. I have heard horror stories about new grads getting a day or two to orient to a long term care assignment. I can't imagine anything so dangerous in that most nursing programs focus 90% of the education on acute care. If someone told me I was going to have to handle a 40 patient assignment after a day or two orientation I think I would have thrown in the towel before I ever started.

SimpleNewGrad · May 15, 2015

were you not a cna/lvn (not exactly a new nurse) before your RN title? i work with a couple of people who transitioned through the ranks and received no orientation at all.
i am also in california (los angeles) my friend got 3 months... go figure. but it's true about the job market here. i was lucky to land my position.
OP, put your best foot forward. "i'll ask for extension" might land you in the unemployment line.

Will do. Any personal tips before heading to my orientation? Any specific resources I can look up?

NurseSunshine3 · May 16, 2015

It really depends on your hospital but i know where I worked at you get 8- 12 weeks of orientation and if you need more time you tell your nurse educator or manager. They are usually ok with it they prefer that you ask them rather then to be thrown out on the floor and feeling like you should have gotten more time.

BecomingNursey · May 16, 2015

ER nurse in Alabama here. Level II trauma center. 6 weeks of orientation and that was it. Lol You can make it. Just don't be scared to ask for help.

I'm not telling you it's going to be easy, I'm telling you it's going to be worth it.

Author: Art Williams