orientation

[dkspudette]

Can anybody tell me how an orientation usually goes. I have had 2 days on med/surg and was basically on my own the second day with 2 patients and then an admit. My preceptor never said a dozen words to me all day and usually couldn't be found. I am going to talk to my supervisor tomorrow but the feeling I am getting is this is how things are done here. I talked to another nurse that works here and she said she had 8 patients on her 7th day and is in tears alot of days from being so busy and frustrated. This is a rural hospital and it seems to be "sink or swim". I have no hospital experience and was told when I was hired that new grads got 3 months orientation. After the 1st day my supervisor told me that She didn't really think I would need the whole 3 months. I got a sign on bonus and signed a contract for 2 years to work here. If I leave I have to pay it back. Any suggestions on what I should do? :uhoh21:

[AprilRNhere]

Wow- I don't even know you and I want to hug you. I'd insist on more help. I've been orienting for 2 weeks now...and I've only had 4 patients...WITH a preceptor who had no other job than to preceptor me. Even when we had 5 admits one shift she refused to allow them to give one to me.

I would as tactfully as possible, explain to them that you love your job and want to learn as much as possible, but that you're just feeling overwhelmed. Hope things get better!

[mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP]

You need to sit down and have a long talk with the NM of your floor. Obviously taking patients alone after 2 months is scary, let alone 2 days. Rural facility or not, new nurses need orientation and a process to follow in order to be safe and effective to the facility. Explain to the NM that you were told you would get X amoun of orientation and tell her you need a process to follow. Ask to switch to another preceptor if that seems to be the issue. Preceptors have to be willing to precept or not be involved in a new nurse orientation...period. What drives me bonkers are the ones "forced" into it because they've been there the longest or it's "their turn".

Contract or not, this is your license and if they aren't going to give you the orientation you need and must have to practice in a safe manner, you may have to cut your cash loss and get out.

Is there another "sister" facility that you could transfer to that is larger and perhaps has a better system in place for new nurses?

The only people that get 2 days of orientation where I work are nurses who have been practicing in similar situations for years.....not days.