Orientation to new unit for Non New Grad Nurses

[HappyNurse2005, RN]

I was just considering the thought of switching specialties at some point in the future.

New grads get lots of orientation to whatever unit. HOw much orientation would a nurse expect to get when switching to a totally new specialty?

I am a cardiology nurse, and suppose I wanted to switch to peds-quite different- (again, this is all speculation)-would I be expected to know it all already b/c I am not new, or would orientation be more thorough?

just thoughts for my future use....

Thanks!

[Geeg]

Get as much orientation as you possibly can. The hospitals are spending alot of $$$ on temp staff, so let them spend alot on you. You and your skills are very valuable.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Well i agree get all you can, but i would suspect they would expect you would be able to be "on your own" somewhat sooner. Considering you already know facility policy and the technical ins and out of more basic procedures dont really change a whole lot from department to department. The time you would have to spend on this stuff should be minimal.

Go for it, and enjoy the change.

[ERNurse752, RN]

I would say at least 6-8 weeks would seem appropriate, since you are not only switching specialities, but switching "species," ie, going to Peds, hehe.

Any hospital worth working for will tell you x amount of time to start, but if you don't feel ready, they will extend your orientation.

You should definitely not be expected to know it all...Peds is a whole different world.

Good luck! :)