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!

[RNCEN]

I had 3 patients after 2 weeks, but my preceptor was right there if I needed assistance. I had been working in the department for almost 2 years as a tech, and knew the flow of things, so that helped. Our assignments are 3 rooms and a hallway, sometimes 4 rooms. I've been off orientation for a month, and there are times when 3 sick people can be overwhelming. Prioritize, and do what you can...ABC's come first!

[Racer15, BSN, RN]

I've just finished my sixth day and I have only had one patient of my own, but I keep an eye on the charts and help with everyone else's patients when I'm not having to do anything for my own. So I could probably handle two to three patients on my own right now with minor help from my preceptor. I just jump right in. I learn best by just going in and doing it, and asking for help if I come across something I am unsure of. Like IV's...I still suck at them. I can start them about 50% of the time, the other 50% I'm having to seek out help. But that's just me. My orientation is kind of a fly by the seat of your pants thing and my preceptor by the second day was pretty much just leaving me on my own. It was really miserable at first, but I had a breakthrough last night and it's getting better, my preceptor told me she just saw everything click in my head.

[Enthused RN, BSN, RN]

Question - what's a CDU unit?

[CP2013]

Question - what's a CDU unit?

Clinical Decision Unit I believe. Like a waiting area for admissions from the Emergency Department? I'm sure there is a better explanation for it, but I'm at a loss for words.