Orientation priorities

mpccrn, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2008

function function function......orientation is time to allow the employee the ability to function within the facility.....when they can, or know where to find the answers, they can be cut loose. :heartbeat

needsmore$ · Jul 2, 2008

Time management, priority setting, critical thinking skills

needsmore$ · Jul 2, 2008

Plenty of time to practice ED specific skills

Patient flow

Irish Nurse 89 · Jul 2, 2008

I am an LPN working in my hospitals ER, and one of the things that should also be on your agenda for teaching, is "TEAM WORK"! Let them know that everyone in the department works together as a team, no matter which patient that they are assigned to that day.

If one of the nurses in the ER is having a bad day, I feel it is in the best interest of everyone in the department to pitch in and help get the job done. Every new nurse should know that by helping others, they are also helping themselves, because there will come a day when they need help too, and their coworkers will always be there to help them out as well...... :twocents:

needsmore$ · Jul 2, 2008

I am an LPN working in my hospitals ER, and one of the things that should also be on your agenda for teaching, is "TEAM WORK"! Let them know that everyone in the department works together as a team, no matter which patient that they are assigned to that day.
If one of the nurses in the ER is having a bad day, I feel it is in the best interest of everyone in the department to pitch in and help get the job done. Every new nurse should know that by helping others, they are also helping themselves, because there will come a day when they need help too, and their coworkers will always be there to help them out as well......

Agree-- well said

MassED, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2008

Im currently creating a new orientation program for our ER, and I'd love to hear what y'all think are priorities for new ER employees. What are some things a person must know before being released from orientation? This is for RNs, CNAs, and Clerks...
Thanks!

location of supplies, all supplies: tubing for level 1 trauma infuser, difficult airway boxes, paper for monitor printers, etc. A focus on team work should be a high priority. Doing EKG's on your own (not waiting for a CNA when all nurses should know how to do them, but goes vice versa - CNA's need to do these quickly when asked). CNA's to do VS when asked and report to the nurse, as well as blood sugars, not to just document and not relay the information to the nurse.

Let's see... what else.... for RN's - stress to be nice to each other (have the nurses already in house hear this), to welcome new nurses (since it can be an intimidating environment)- show them where things are, open a code cart, charge the zoll (or HP) so the new nurse can look at the equipment. Go over all of the supplies in a trauma room: chest tube equipment, crich kit, location of I/O needles.... these are some of the things that were overlooked with me when I went from one ER to a new ER. Many nurses just assume you can find the stuff on your own. It's nice to have someone show you and demonstrate on some defibrillators since there are many and varied.

Provide an orientation book for the ER - I wish I had that, but I have heard of places that do this. They provide a copy of every policy and procedure so you can take it home and peruse it on your own. That way if a nurse had a situation with a patient and thinks about it at home, he or she can look through the policy and procedure book to add anything for future reference. That is something that I still would like to have! Every new facility has their own ways of doing things and it would be a great tool to have - of course most are on the intranet at work, but who has time at work to really focus on policy and procedures.

:mad:

needsmore$ · Jul 12, 2008

location of supplies, all supplies: tubing for level 1 trauma infuser, difficult airway boxes, paper for monitor printers, etc. A focus on team work should be a high priority. Doing EKG's on your own (not waiting for a CNA when all nurses should know how to do them, but goes vice versa - CNA's need to do these quickly when asked). CNA's to do VS when asked and report to the nurse, as well as blood sugars, not to just document and not relay the information to the nurse.
Let's see... what else.... for RN's - stress to be nice to each other (have the nurses already in house hear this), to welcome new nurses (since it can be an intimidating environment)- show them where things are, open a code cart, charge the zoll (or HP) so the new nurse can look at the equipment. Go over all of the supplies in a trauma room: chest tube equipment, crich kit, location of I/O needles.... these are some of the things that were overlooked with me when I went from one ER to a new ER. Many nurses just assume you can find the stuff on your own. It's nice to have someone show you and demonstrate on some defibrillators since there are many and varied.
Provide an orientation book for the ER - I wish I had that, but I have heard of places that do this. They provide a copy of every policy and procedure so you can take it home and peruse it on your own. That way if a nurse had a situation with a patient and thinks about it at home, he or she can look through the policy and procedure book to add anything for future reference. That is something that I still would like to have! Every new facility has their own ways of doing things and it would be a great tool to have - of course most are on the intranet at work, but who has time at work to really focus on policy and procedures.

Our hospital is starting to put all the policies, etc "on-line" on their intranet web site-so you can click on your area and review your dept specifics in addition to Admin policies, IV policies, Risk Management etc

An orientation book would be great-especially for those of us that work in per diem in different EDs-- provide info regarding processes, documentation helpful hints, etc.

We actually expanded our hospital email site so you can access your emails from home--so those who work really casual can stay up to date on any new process/dept issues