nurses don't know when they're orientating

NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN · Feb 22, 2013

That is a pet-peeve of mine. When I was a bedside nurse, stuff like that happened all the time. There seemed to be no planning at all.

When I started working as an educator, that was the first thing I changed. My preceptors are matched with the new nurses based on compatability if possible. They also receive a schedule when they will be orienting and an outline what they need to be teaching (new grad vs experienced).

nikki_nurse · Feb 22, 2013

Just coming from the other side, I was assigned someone to orientate and wasn't let notified beforehand and I felt like I was a deer in the headlights since I had no idea. It was also my first time ever orientating and I had only been working on the floor for 4 months. Definately something that management should not have done for both of us.

NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN · Feb 22, 2013

Should have never happened. My preceptors have to sign a contract because they have to know what's expected of them. They also have to attend at least 80% of preceptor meetings in order to qualify to be a preceptor.

HeyNurse09, BSN · Feb 23, 2013

Sometimes I was told if I was to orientate someone and other times I came in, looked at the schedule, and bam I see a new name with an "o" next to it! I don't mind though because I was once in that position and I know what it feels like when someone doesn't want to do it with you! I don't want anyone to feel like they are a bother to me because eventually they will be my co-worker and its important to have good relationships with each other to help promote teamwork!

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Feb 23, 2013

Well if I'm lucky I find out in the beginning of my shift. Sometimes I am in the swing of things several hours in and I'll get dumped on. I'm embarrassed with how things are done.

serenity1 · Feb 23, 2013

This boggles my mind. At both hospitals I have worked for, I was given a schedule and the name of my preceptor in advance. The preceptors were asked first and had attended training in order to be a preceptor. Unfortunately, when I was orienting to L&D, the assigned preceptor was pulled to triage by management many of the days I was to be with her. I was given to "whoever" for the day. I ended up with 11 preceptors and a crappy orientation. A couple different preceptors would have been fine, but too many with differing opinions, skills, expectations, etc. was very frustrating. So, even if things are planned in advance, management can still find ways to screw it up.

thenursemandy · Feb 23, 2013

I worked in LTC and oriented 3 nurses on a hall over a 3 month period. They each quit because it was too much for them to handle (It wasn't to much for me). I HATED when I had an orientee on that hall cuz I knew I was most likely wasting my time. I think I did a thorough job and was kind none-the-less. I think managers don't tell the floor nurses they will be orienting someone cuz many nurses are tired of doing it (and might call in or complain about it).

lmclors · Feb 23, 2013

Orientation in the floor for 3 months?i am now working on a LTC was oriented on the floor for only 3 days!..everyday is a challenge for me especially with paper works. I am handling a station with 2 cna and 30 patients. Lucky for me my fellow nurses from other station very helpful. But i have problems with the cna. They are watching my every move and report me to supervisors.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Feb 23, 2013

Just so the OP and others reading know ... it doesn't have to be this way. Some places do have organized orientations planned with forethought.

^Yes, that much is true.

If there is a change, there is usually open communication in terms of orientation, scheduled orientation days, etc. I had a 1:1 post-OP pt while my preceptor had to take a critical pt. The leadership was very helpful in being available for assistance, if I needed anything, etc. I missed a step that I needed to do, I emailed my orientation leader (who was also present on the floor to help me) and she thanked me for being flexible and was very flexible in helping with this.

There is so much that can go far in terms of orientation, skill mix and bed flow. Nursing care is never predictable, and you never know how your day or night is going to be. I think the oriented must be cognizant that anything can happen, and keep that in perspective, so while you are in orientation, taking a very active role may help in the long run; as long as you have a questioning attitude of your pt's assessment, plan of care, basic and unit-based skills, and a routine that sets up for flexibility if things start to go south, it will benefit your nursing practice.

I completed my first week in critical care, and one of my two days off is dedicated in getting more familiar with the aspects of care, what to expect, etc. reflecting and using 5 x 8 cards as resources. I will admit it I do work in a very engaging environment, I have a orientation coordinator, have a mentor, charge nurses, and clinical leaders, and an education coordinator that are constantly present for resources and support, and residency class every three weeks. I have never had so much support at a nursing job-ever. It is refreshing.

I suggest to the OP to be proactive in stating their learning needs. If helps to have a good 30 second intro, include what has been learned so far, end with what I can start with, and go from there. There are many styles if nursing, good tips, facility policy, and incorporate as much as a base in your nursing judgement and practice. It takes two years to be an Advanced Beginner per Benner's novice to expert-it is going to take time, and you will get there. :)

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Feb 23, 2013

Also, I have been on both sides. As a preceptor, I didn't mind precepting at all...If I had a long day ahead with complex patients, sometimes it would be challenging to teach "on the go" because I already have a set technique, I like to teach hands on. I assess how my orientee learns, experience, etc., go through policies, skills, pts, diagnoses, tips to time management and organization. That's a lot to juggle sometimes, too. I always keep that in perspective too.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 23, 2013

I'm having a good learning experience so far in orientation, but I just have one question that's bugging the heck out of me. Why don't my preceptors know I'm coming? I've worked with 2 nurses so far that have had no idea they're having an orientee. Not only do I feel like a goof standing there saying "hi, I'm proud nurse and I'm orientating with you today", but they have this deer in the headlight look, like "crap."
I'm trying to make the most of it, although I feel like I'm directing my orientation and there's really no plan laid out for me. The patients are great, the staff is helpful and friendly so far. It's kind of difficult for a person like me with my OCD tendancies to have something so unstructured, but I also feel like it might be best if I go with the flow.

I'm glad you're having a good learning experience so far. And you're right -- it is best when you go with the flow. Have an idea of what your learning needs are and be able to describe your prior experience in a few brief sentences -- that'll help the preceptor figure out what to do with you. You may have to "structure" your own orientation. It's too bad when that happens, but if you feel as though you're getting a good learning experience, you're better off than many.

By the way -- it's "orienting" rather than "orientating".

healthstar, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2013

I can relate to this! I found that the seasoned nurses did not panic and did not mind orienting me at all! They were cheerful, friendly and explained every single thing! The younger nurses less than 5 years experience, they freaked out when they found out they had to train! I think this is because they either do not like to teach or they are not comfortable or confident!