Orientation Info

I find it kind of strange that your facility doesn't have an orientation program. However, when I was new, I was with a nurse who had a decreased load (when possible to have a smaller load). Once I learned the ropes, I took one patient with my preceptor very close by for any questions that I had. Eventually, I took 2 patients (the max load in my unit) with my preceptor there for questions. I'm sure it's different everywhere, but, there are several classes that were required (ACLS, sheath pulling, Critical Care Classes, etc.).

We have a 4 week new grad program for the hospital. Then orientation is with a preceptor for 6-12 weeks depending on the need. In the beginning the orientee assists the preceptor with her 2 patients, eventually the orientee takes one, then 2 (full load) patients as they become competent. Ideally the preceptor continues to have a reducued patient load to be available to the orientee. Hope this helps

I'm also very confused as to why there isn't any grounded program in place. Right now I feel as if I'm in a learn as you go system,with follow up and feedback initiated by myself. When I put up my first post, I was in my first week of orientation, and not too pleased with the way management was handling things. Everyone appeared clueless to what the other was supposed to be doing. Things are still not perfect, but getting better. It helps to have sites like this where people can share their frustrations and also know that they are not alone.

Make sure you give this feedback to your manager, not just "sharing your frustrations" online. If no one talks about the poor orientation, they will have no reason to change the format for future new-hires. Who knows, maybe it's not too late to improve your current orientation.

I work in a small ICU in Rural NH and we recently had a new grad. Unfortunatly she is being pushed off orientation for staffing reasons and I find this unfair. I can in some aspects understand that in a small ICU you may only see something once in a year but three month orientation with little patient contact is not sufficient. Our hospital is developing a preceptor program which on our MS floor seems to be successful but I am afraid we are failing our RN in the ICU>