New job: Problem with orientation-VENT

kmoonshine, RN · Jul 2, 2008

Nope, not the norm. Sounds like you really don't have anyone actually precepting you. Talk to the unit educator (if you have one). I'd suggest looking elsewhere, since a strong orientation is a foundation for your future practice. It is not right, nor is it fair, to have you passing meds. A good preceptor would discuss what the medication was for, have you look it up for your own knowledge, and would encourage you to learn the hospital's P&P. They don't seem like happy, dedicated staff members - so don't forget that there are other jobs out there. Good luck.

jessi1106, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2008

Oh, this sounds awful!

Nothing like my orientation.

I had very good preceptors, and was ceratinly told how pts took meds.

This does not sound like a good learning opportunity for you as a new nurse. It also does not sound safe.

Bring up your concerns.....and maybe this is not the place to start your career.

Keep us updated and good luck to you. :heartbeat

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2008

At the facility I work a new nurse is given an 8 to 10 week orientation with a well seasoned and responsible RN.

The first week you take a one patient assignment and then gradually work your way up to eight, which is the norm at my facility. The preceptor teaches you how to use the pyxis, where things are located, the proper procedure on how to call central supply, all that good stuff.

I suggest going elsewhere to get a proper orientation.

kakamegamama · Jul 2, 2008

Poochee-

Run as fast as you can to the nearest exit! Does not sound like a place you will want to remain associated with for any length of time and a malpractice suit waiting to happen.

I wish you the best!

mpccrn, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2008

this is not how it should be, but in reality, sometimes is. my orientation a looong time ago was something like this....you have 8 weeks....oh, we're short staffed, here's your assignment, orientation done. it comes down to the integrity of the individual.......meds? you should know what you're giving, if not, look it up!.....how people take them? ask the patient, no one ever told me how someone took meds!......where stuff is? wander around and look, ask questions......P&P? check it out, there is usually a book on the unit or access to them on the computer. i've been a preceptor and wouldn't dream of cutting someone loose like that, however, you have a responsibility to open your mouth, have a basic knowledge of nursing (you do have a license) and you must be reasonably intellegent. units aren't that big and are pretty much layed out the same everywhere. a preceptor SHOULD set you up for success, but that doesn't always mean holding your hand the entire time you're on orientation. you should be talking to your preceptor daily and a conversation should occur after every shift to see how you feel about the day, what you were comfortable with, what you weren't. talk to your manager if this isn't happening. a successful orientation will make a successful staff member. :nurse:

NurseCurtis · Jul 2, 2008

Even though I am a new nurse, I have never had an orientation, like the one I am having on a new job. From the first day, I was instructed to pass out meds. Nevermind I did not know anyone, how people take their meds, etc. Some pt.s I basically had to guess, who needed thier meds crushed. I wasn't walked down halls, room by room, to point out patients. I wasn't even given a census sheet. The people who are orientating me, basically say "go pass the meds". No instruction on policy, procedure, how the facility operates, nada. Not who the diabetics are. I pretty much felt like I was agency. I wasn't shown where things were kept.
Has anyone had an orientation like this. I am a new nurse, but I would think, this isn't the norm. Any suggestion. TIA.

This is JUST like agency! But I surprise them when they pull that when I did LTC/. I kept asking and asking, before long, I had all the help I needed.

phoebebrat, ASN · Jul 2, 2008

Would I be correct to guess you are working in a LTC? When I worked in the hospital my orientation as a new nurse was 3mo. In LTC it was 2wks and I was with a different nurse each time. A couple of times I was even with a QMA. There is so much that they did not teach me, esp. the paper work. I think orientation in LTC really sucks!

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2008

Yes, this is LTC.

I would keep asking for it. Have a meeting with the DON. Are you new to LTC? Even if you were not, you should at least get the very basic orientation. Paper work for a day and then you should have shadowed for a day and went on walking rounds etc. Census sheets are a must. How in the world would they expect you to suceed? What is the retention rate in this place.

I don't ask for much when (SSDLTC) but at the very least I would expect a paper orientation (what forms for what) a who's who in the joint, a review of the shift expectations, basic report on all the residents I will be assigned to (including their quirks) and a census sheet. If I was to be off and running, I at least want another person I can refer to if I have quiestions or need help.

Poochee · Jul 2, 2008

Would I be correct to guess you are working in a LTC? When I worked in the hospital my orientation as a new nurse was 3mo. In LTC it was 2wks and I was with a different nurse each time. A couple of times I was even with a QMA. There is so much that they did not teach me, esp. the paper work. I think orientation in LTC really sucks!

you would be correct. I am with a new nurse each time, and each one says, oh this isn't my regular shift, I am just filling in. Both pulled dissappearing acts, the entire shift. Both said, oh, go ahead and pass meds. no census, no report, nada.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Jul 2, 2008

Look for a new job ASAP. This place sounds like a disaster....

LesMonsterRN, ADN, RN · Jul 2, 2008

Believe it or not, I've never really had a full orientation in LTC, a week, maybe two, and then thrown in the water to sink or swim. However, what you're describing is a good cause to look for another job. As a new nurse you need as much orientation as you can get, not just being thrown out there.