Not being trained!

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Hey everyone.. I haven't been here since first year, but I have a huge problem. I graduated May 2008 (yippee) and passed boards last week.

I have worked as a nurse tech throughout school and have accepted a bid on the floor that I tech on. I know and get along with everyone up here. I was totally looking forward to getting started with orientation and learning all the nursing responsibilities, the computer, the routine... everything.

I have been orienting for 6 weeks and haven't learned a thing. I am allowed to do vital signs and accuchecks and nothing else. I understand and accept that (although, the other new grad on my floor has been allowed to do everything)... Anyway, I think my nurse should be using this opportunity to at least show me how to read drs handwriting, and the computer stuff.. Nothing. It is horrible and I am actually thinking about quitting.

I don't know what to do. I have known this person for a year and she does not take criticism well and she will be mad if I go to our supervisor.

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

I don't understand. You graduated as an RN and you are only allowed to do vitals and accucecks? You also said that although the other new grads are allowed to take on other responsibilities, this is not a problem for you. Confused again...

Does your hospital have a new grad program? If they do I am more than sure you should have an evaluation packet. The manager should know that after 6 weeks you have only done vitals and accuchecks (which you probably mastered as a tech). Also, how long is your orientation? You have already spent 6 weeks learning nothing, I urge you to speak up before your orientaion is over.

Finally, I doubt learning Dr's handwriting and computer stuff will help you learn how to work safely (and with knowledge)when you are off orientation. Those skills can easily be learned from a unit secretary. You should express what it is you need from your preceptor, if no change occurs go to management. Good luck

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I should have clarified. I live in the state of Illinois. The law was changed this year and grads are no longer allowed to work as license-pending immediately following graduation. You have to pass NCLEX and receive your letter to apply for licensure first. I have passed NCLEX (unofficially), but have not recieved my letter to work license pending.

Some preceptors are allowing new grads to do things, but technically they aren't supposed to be- which is why I understood. I feel, however, that my preceptor has used the past 6 weeks poorly and could have taught me things that I am allowed to do, or at least shown me the computer.

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

Oooh, I see what you mean. Yeah, the orientation does not sound effective at all. What a waste of time!! Will you be given another orientation when you get your hard copy license? I doubt it. Hope you find a solution, good luck.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

Yeah, I hear ya...we couldn't work on the floor until our license came. I just got mine last Friday....I took in what I could while I was teching, but I knew that until I was actually able to practice as a RN, it really wouldn't do any good....because you're not set up for access to chart, give meds, assess, etc....however, you could be doing things and at least shadowing....are they using you more in your old tech role? Will you have to go through class orientation with the new grads, etc?

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