Published Apr 30, 2023
RN/WI, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN
155 Posts
I would like to discuss how often Nurse Practitioners new to a position are getting any type of orientation. If so , please discuss the length of the orientation and what type of agenda is included. Also, is there any other providers at the facility. If so please describe if there is support, mentor, any physician oversight.
traumaRUs, MSN, APRN
88 Articles; 21,268 Posts
I work in a large nephrology practice. Our orientation is 5-6 months long as it takes that long to get credentialing done. It consists of didactic as well as shadowing. Most of our APRNs have been here >5 years and several of us have been here >15 years
It sounds like a supportive orientation
Yes very much so. We have 10 APRNs and our longevity is 2-23 years with most of us having >5 years in our present position
barcode120x, RN, NP
751 Posts
I only had a one day of shadowing for my current contract that does annual wellness visits. I definitely didn't need any more than a day of shadowing for this position. The other contract I just started as a C&P examiner for the VA, I didn't have any shadowing, but there was roughly about 20-25 hours of online training modules and testing before I started. It would have been nice to be able to shadow for a day, but I picked up pace real quick and now I'm the one that's having new colleagues shadow me haha.
I imagine more specialized NP positions would have more intense and longer training and orientation. Originally I was going to go into SNF through through a friend, and even that one was only a day of shadowing from what he told me.
Agreed , I have done the comp and pensions, that is pretty much self explanatory. Family practice was a jump right in as well, a little more broad but definitely achievable ,depending on the clients and number the facility is trying to push through in a day. I had a job offer and am really tempted to try a Hospitalist position. The only hesitancy is it is nights 7p-7a, , 7 on 7 off.I would be the only one o with a oncall physician to ask questions too.
JBMmom, MSN, NP
4 Articles; 2,537 Posts
I have completed one orientation and am towards the end of my second one. My first orientation was for a hospitalist position. It was about a five month orientation. The position was mainly cross coverage overnight, 7p-7a covering anywhere from 40-80 patients. There were usually 1-3 admissions overnight. The orientation included a few weeks of rotations with all specialty services to learn more about them, and then three months of night shift with a dedicate preceptor.
Currently I'm in month 10 of my ICU orientation. The orientation will be about a year. I have a dedicated preceptor each day, which rotates on a regular basis among my coworkers. I develop my plan of care for admissions or rounds and then present to my preceptor before presenting to my attending.
Both orientations were very well done. But more so because I had great coworkers than because they were particularly well organized. The hard part about orientations in acute care is that you get the people there on any given day. I've had the bad luck to not have many particularly sick patients on my days there. I just hope they don't all get admitted my first week off orientation. But I won't be alone for a long time, so I've always got support.
That sounds like a good orientation. When I asked how long the orientation would be for the offered position, they said I could shadow a night , and then take my own patients. Even though I would like to get into the hospital setting again, this time as an NP, this made me very nervous. I had to pass:(