Orientation length

I had about 2 weeks. They had me doing 8 hour shifts the first week, then switching to my regular 12's the second week. After 2 weeks, I had a mentor there, but she hung out on the other floors so I was on my own and she was available for any questions. I did 2 weeks after that on my own (rehab wing), and then trained on the locked hall for just 2 days b/c I knew the paperwork by then--it was just a matter of learning the residents. I did take a full time position on the locked wing not too long ago, but I work on the rehab wing still to fill in. It's alot more work, so I'm glad the majority of my training was on that hall.

I think orientation time really depends on the facility/hall--how involved the paperwork is, how skilled the unit is, how many residents you'll have, and basically how fast you catch on. Most places I've worked will give you extra time if you're not comfortable when the original orientation is up (I did that when I worked at a place that had a lot of vent patients). Don't be afraid to ask. There's things that I haven't had to do yet at my facility, so if something comes up, they know to call me and I can go in just to take care of that so that if it happens when I'm on my own, I know what their policies are. For instance, we don't get many admissions on nights, so I requested they call me when they had one so I could go in and do it with another nurse there so that I would know the paperwork/assessment/ect. I think it helps to ask if that option is there, and it shows that you are willing to learn all that you need to that pertains to their facility.

Where in OH are you? I'm in NW Ohio.

good luck and congrats!

I just graduated from my practical nursing program and soon I'll be starting work as a nurse. I'm going to be working in a long term care facility and they are going to give me five days of orientation. I am wondering is that enough time for orientation? I'd like to know how long have others gotten to do orientation? Did you guys think that your orientation was too long or short? Is five days standard at LTCF?

Do they mean orientation as in facility orientation? You know, the policy and procedures, HIPPA, etc. I interviewed at a LTCF on Monday, and they do 3 days of orientation (classroom). Then they put you with a "preceptor" nurse. She said they would work with me on how long I need to be with a mentor.

Definately, if you aren't comfortable at the end of your formal orientation, don't be afraid to say you need a little more time. You worked hard for your license, and you are the only one who is going to protect it.

Good Luck.

~T

I'm in good 'ole Cincinnati. And at this facility they do one day of classroom orientation and then she said I'd have five days of orientation on the floor. The paperwork is what I'm worried about. It's going to take me forever to do med pass and I'm worried that will put me behind on my paperwork and I already know that during that time there will be a million interruptions and I don't want to do something stupid while I'm trying to do all this stuff. I take my boards next Thursday, so until then I'm going to work there as an aide which may help me get to know some of the residents except I'll be floating as an aide. I don't really know what I'm going to be doing once I become a nurse. I'm looking for a day position so that should help with learning admissions but days are always so crazy that I do worry that five days won't be long enough. I don't want to just follow someone but every place has different policies and procedures and I guess I just don't want to do something stupid. I mean I know I'm going to do something stupid I'm new, but I don't want it to be something that endangers one of my residents.

Not enough for a new grad. - fight for more.