Orientation

[porkey2]

How allnurses, was just wondering how many patients were you up to by the end of your second week of orientation. I work on a cdu unit and we do a lot of admissions and discharges and it takes up a lot of time. I am only up to two patients and I still don't fully understand the process. What is everyone else doing, help!

[Orange Tree]

A lot depends on how long your orientation will last. If you've got a lot of time, you can take things slow.

[DysrhythmiaRN]

I had 3 by end of second week. Had to do a discharge and admission which was real stressful. I'm in my 4th week and still don't fully understand the entire process. It takes time, i get 12 weeks so hope il get it by then. What is cdu? and how long is your orientation? try talking to your preceptor about what you want to work on. Wether its getting a routine learned then focusing on discharges and admissions or vice versa.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I know it seems very stressful to take on more patients, but the quicker you are able to assume a 'full load', the better off you will be. Based on my (eons of) experience, the most difficult thing for new grads is time management. Experience is the ONLY way to improve time management skills & ability to multi-task. So. . how can you possibly get that experience if you're only taking care of a couple of patients? It's much better to jump off the deep end and take a full assignment while you still have a preceptor backing you up. This will mean you are far better prepared and confident when your orientation ends.