Orientation starts in a week!!

[meeta404]

And I cant wait! Im nervous and excited. I a brand new new grad, but i did have some experience as a NUS and PCT (in a different hospital) while in nursing school. Ive read countless posts, and just wanted you to share how the orientation process worked for you. What unit did you work in? What are you doing now (still orienting or on your own)? Tips/ advice? Im going to be start on a busy Short Stay/ Medical Observation Unit.

[K_girl]

Congrats on your new job! We had 12 weeks orientation when I started. The first week was pretty much all classroom then I started on the floor. I work a on a post surgical unit although we do get some medical patients at times. I am just coming up to my first year! I can't believe it's been a year already. Don't get me wrong...there are still days when I question why I ever became a nurse. But then we have those moments with certain patients and it puts it right back into perspective.

If you are going to be in classroom, # 1 rule...stay awake! Classroom portion was extremely boring and drawn out. However, on the floor, ask lots and lots of questions. It may make you feel stupid sometimes to keep asking certain questions but always try to learn from every experience.

Kate

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Congrats!

I was in a GN Residency program and started on progressive care unit. It was a rough floor, but it was certainly new grad friendly. We had lots of classroom time, including group simulation lab sessions. In addition, I had to do an EKG and Critical care course. I felt I had less time on the floor before I was officially on my own. However, my schedule was the same as my preceptor, so if I needed help she was the person I asked.

Be open with your preceptor and take notes. Know unit protocols and don't be shy to question everything you're unsure about. Be proactive! Take notes on a small pocket size notebook and refer to it if you need it. Don't fall into the "task-oriented" mode, or you'll make an error. I did that once and learned from it. I never made that mistake again and I had an amazing manager who was supportive.

Don't be too hard on yourself, because there's lots to learn...Good luck!