New Job

[cbccern]

Hi all,

I have relocated to a new state and was lucky enough to find a job as a RN. I am not happy with my orientation. Two weeks to learn new equipment, a new way of charting, and new polices/procedures is not enough in my opinion. I feel as if I am on a travel assignment versus actually being an employee of this hospital. I was told by my preceptor that "we are NOT going to hold your hand." I would just like someone to tell me that this is going to get better. I know that sometimes change can be difficult, but I want to feel as if I am not the only one who has ever felt this way. This hospital is the only game in town, so I can't just find another job, it is really making me question whether nursing is the job for me after an 18 year career. Thanks for reading.

Hacker222

[vivicaq]

What can i say, Times are hard and our options are even more limited but find that inner strenghth to evaluate your situation and listento that inner voice. Where there is a will you will always find a way. I will Pray for you. Make calculated decisions not hasty ones

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Hmm - I can never having an orientation longer than 2 weeks in any job. Of course, I am older than dirt and things do change over time. It always made me nervous to have someone looking over my shoulder - I'd rather they trusted me to ask for help when I needed it. Could this be a regional difference? Are all experienced new hires treated the same way?

The purpose of orientation is to show you how things are done at the new place, not to instill any new skills (unless you are a new grad). But if you do have any skill gaps, they should certainly provide you with an opportunity to learn the new 'stuff' before expecting you to do it.

Have you talked to your manager about this? That's the best place to start.

[caeRn]

When i started in my current position as a float RN I had three years of ICU experience under my belt. However when i took this position it was at another hospital that i never worked at before. I had 2 days to orient to each unit. (PEDS, ER, ICU, CVICU, CV stepdown, IMU tele, MED SURG, ORTHO-neuro, PACU, IV therapy, ONCOLOGY and Special procedures. I was new to this pace didnt even know where the bathroom was or the cafeteria. I had hospital orientation with HR but it was classroom going over policies and procedures. Even with ICU experience 2 days each unit is not enough. I had to fend for myself. I thought what did i just sign u for. There wher 5 of us in orientation for Float RN. I am the only one out of those 5 still working there! The staff nurses where not any help bc they were very bitter due to a bonus they gave float staff. It was a significant raise for float rn's. It was my worst nightmare, but today its been almost three yrs since i took this job and it did get better. I had to orient myself and use my resources. it was hard, I do have friends on every floor and now i am happy i chose to take the job. It will get better. I promise.