Orientation process

I don't really think 8 weeks is enough. Most weeks in nursing are basically just 3 days. My new director just increased our orientation from the 12 weeks I got to now a full 6 months (increasable to 8 mos as needed). After my 12 weeks, i still felt like I didn't know anything. Sometimes I still do.

I did (and do) study a lot at home, bought several books, etc.

8 weeks, full time (5 days/week, 40hrs/week). I don't know if it's because I have already worked for a year and a half on a med/surg unit, but this certainly feels like starting all over.

That sounds messed up. Ours is 16 weeks now. We have a set guideline as to what we take each week starting with 2 feeders and working our way thru Non-invasive ventilation kids, ventilated kids, sick kids and then extremely sick ie cooling/ PPHN on nitric kids and admissions.

Just try to take in all you can, get your hands in there and do a lot of reading!

As I will soon be starting my orientation I know that our program is 6-8 months if the RN is new to service and varies as you deem yourself comfortable. I am surprised your orientation is so short especially with changing preceptors.

New grad to NICU level 3 here. We have had a zillion GNs through our nicu so our orientation process is extremely systematic- with weekly goals to be met, computer based learning and in services. We get 16 weeks of orientation with a possible extension to 2 more weeks as needed. We spend 4 weeks in level 2 doing feeders and growers, stable kiddos and d/cs...By the end of the fourth week in level 2 we should take a full patient assignment 3-4 kiddos with minimal assistance. Then we move onto level 3 for 12 weeks where we get "stable" level 3s-- obviously end goal complete patient load by week 12... So far so good.

We get 20 weeks in our facility, a large level IV.

Our NICU (in Canada) had to cut on orientation because of lack of budget. We are now at 3 weeks orientation in the level II section, then four months by yourself in level II, then another 3 weeks in the level III (critical) section. Total of six weeks with teacher/preceptor. I know, it is really bad.

But I found that I learned 100 times faster when I got all by myself, because I had to deal with my problems without a second pair of hands (time management, IV catheter, transfers, etc.) The fact that I had to search by myself the answers to my questions also helped me to dig deep on my own.

Our NICU (in Canada) had to cut on orientation because of lack of budget. We are now at 3 weeks orientation in the level II section, then four months by yourself in level II, then another 3 weeks in the level III (critical) section. Total of six weeks with teacher/preceptor. I know, it is really bad.

This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. Your administrators need to be fired. With all the wasteful crap that could be cut, they chose NICU orientation? Orientation for the unit with the most delicate patient population in the hospital?

Apparently for my orientation, I'm going to finish this 4 week schedule orienting to feeders/growers, work as staff for a 4 week schedule taking my own assignment of feeder/growers, and then go back on to orientation for CPAPs/Vents. I was just told this yesterday.

This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. Your administrators need to be fired. With all the wasteful crap that could be cut, they chose NICU orientation? Orientation for the unit with the most delicate patient population in the hospital?

I wholeheartedly agree with Bortaz! It is scary to me that you are "learning better on your own by researching your own problems." To me this is totally NOT okay. As someone in the midst of orientation, I can assure you that I would not accept a position that let me "figure it out" on my own. With such a fragile patient population, you are bound to get into trouble. Just because a patient is "stable" doesn't mean they can't go south on your shift. What would you do if that happened? Would you feel adequately prepared? What about patient education. To me this is one of the most important elements of our job. With that limited amount of orientation time, I do not feel you would be prepared to adequately educate a parent on the happenings of their child. I understand that this is in no way your fault but that seems completely ridiculous!!! I worked hard for my license as I am positive you did too and it seems like in that situation you could be in jeopardy of losing yours if something were to go wrong.

Edited.

HyperSaurus, how did this situation end up turning out? My orientation sounds similar to what you had. I'm nearing the end and I'm nowhere NEAR ready to be by myself. I'm going to meet with my educator this week to ask for more time, but I'm curious as to how things went for you.