Orientation timeline

[loving2]

How long are most orientations/preceptorships? What characteristics make a good orientee? What is a typical timeline? For instance, what tasks should the orientee be proficient in by one month, 3 months, etc? Does your orientation include didactics/classroom instruction?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

your questions are too general for this format. Orientation depends on the individual, their experience in nursing and in the area to which they are being hired, their individual learning ability and the department's rquirements. Our orientation is 2 weeks for some new hires and 2 months or longer for others. We have 2 days of classroom instruction and then some computer based learning plus self-studies and working with a preceptor. As for proficiency, even a new grad should know enough to be safe or when to call for help. I get the impression you will be graduating soon and have the jitters. Everyone does and everyone works thru them. The fact you are concerned is a good sign!

[BettyBoop01]

When hired I was told it would be 4-5 month orientation for a new grad, once I started I was told due to staffing issues it would be 6 weeks. Generally you shadow for a couple of days, maybe your first week, then you start taking 1-2 patients on your but with your preceptor there then build up to more patients week by week. By the end of orientation you should be handling the patient load mostly on your own. At least this is how it is where I am. In reality the staffing issues seem to mean throwing you in and seeing if you sink or swim. I am bobbing up and down. It seems like every place does it different but the classmates of mine that ahve found jobs mostly seem to be getting between 6-12 weeks orientation depending on the setting. the LTC seem to cut the nurses short on training.

[DuluthMike]

3 weeks continuous class.

On and off class for a year.

6 months orientation.

I love, love, love my hospital.

[Davey Do]

your questions are too general for this format. Orientation depends on the individual, their experience in nursing and in the area to which they are being hired, their individual learning ability and the department's rquirements.

True words. True words.

When I broke into Surgery, back in 1986 as an LPN, my orientation went on for weeks. I held Deaver retractors for hours during cholecystectomies. I stood by the Scrub Nurse and observed for what seemed like an eternity. Within six months, I was First Scrub on lumbar laminectomies, with three tables, assisting two surgeons, with a second Scrub assisting.

When I began my current job, I worked the floor for two shifts with some staff members and another RN. That first weekend, I was the sole RN on the Unit. And it worked out well.

Dave

[beba/rn]

this is great info thanks all

[JStollRN]

I am a new grad, and I was given no classroom instruction, 5.5 weeks on the floor. My first shift alone is this coming Sunday...yikes!

[nutty12]

Just curious... what do you work at?