orientation

My orientation was eight weeks long. Three on 1st shift and five on 2nd shift, which is the shift I work now. I started by following my preceptor and "helping" for about three days. Then I took about two pt's and "helped with the rest. By the third week I had the full load (6pts) with my preceptor "helping" me. When I went to 2nd shift, the process started over, but I had the whole team much sooner. I was also given the option of a ninth week. I can't remember if I took it. Probably not, but I should have (name one other time in a nurse's career when he or she has another nurse there for the sole purpose of helping that nurse?!)

How many patients do you think is appropriate for a new RN to take during orientation? How long does orientation last at your facility? How many after changing to a different shift during orientation? I am curious :)

It should be nurse-specific. Different new grads come out with different strengths and weaknesses. You should start out with only a couple, helping out the preceptor with the other patients prn. Theen by the last week or two you should be taking an entire assignment with the preceptor right by your side.

nurse specific and unit specific.