orientation troubles

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Hi, i've graduated in May, 2008 BSN RN. i've travelled from the lower 48 to fairbanks, ak for a great opportunity to see alaska and start out my nursing career in med-surg. I was told i would have 6 weeks orientation days then 6 weeks nights, which the latter position is why i was hired. well, it's been one week of general orientation about benefits, pharm test, etc. now during this second week i have started on the floor.

i need advice.

i've worked two 12 hour shifts and during this time my preceptor, who is very very nice and seems knowledgeable, runs around like a chicken with her head cut off. so, i have actually been giving meds, iv's, beds, baths, vitals, glucs, and charting everything myself because i don't know where or what she is doing !!!! this third day it was discussed that i actually would be able to shadow ... it didn't happen, i came in and i had 2 pt all to myself!

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Specializes in PEDS/NSY/L&D/med-surg.

It sounds like you need a new preceptor. Not giving you an adequate orientation to the floor and the profession just sets you up for failure. I'd talk first to your preceptor. Let her know your concerns, if that doesn't work, then talk to your director and request another preceptor. There are a lot of people that are great nurses, just not great teachers. Just my :twocents:

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Six week orientation usually means someone i.e. preceptor is responsible at least to some extent. In a way it may be the preceptor has watched and "trusts" your judement on certain issues. Agreeing, your first step is to talk to them also mentioning how uncomfortable/unsure you are on some things you have been doing, along with the issue of being unable to find them for questions. The preceptor should have a certain criteria they follow, if not then it sounds like the facillity is actually unprepared to precept and just assigned you to a willing person who may not have precepted before nor have much of an idea how/what to do.

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I'm also a recent grad still going through orientation. My orientation and most orientation programs in NJ have you taking full patient responsability after 1 week of classroom training. Most programs I'm aware of have you work up to a full patient assignment (in my case 7 patients on a med/surg floor) within 4-5 weeks. My preceptor is there to answer questions and will pitch in if I'm floundering but the goal is to have me totally self suffieicnt and working independently by the conclusion of orientation (total orientation is 8 weeks) I suggest you use the time with your preceptor to feel confident doing everything with the knowledge and security that she/he is looking over your shoulder. Good Luck!!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Heme/Onc.

When I have an orientee, I have him/her follow me for a day, then slowly take over the assignment (if a new grad) - if an experienced nurse, I let them take charge and tell me what I need to do for them. Some just need to know how our charting system works and where the supply closet is. At that point, I'm an extra set of eyes and ears while the experienced nurse becomes acclimated to new surroundings.

But a new grad is a huge responsibility as a preceptor. I still hear my new grad preceptor's voice in my head when things get all big and bad (she is one in a million).

I think that you need to talk to your preceptor and explain what you need. If she can't take the time to sit down and guide you through your day, then you are not going to learn about time management. You learned how to give meds, start IVs and put in foleys when you were in nursing school (I hope) - so your big challenge is having that be the least of your day.

My most recent new grad will tell you that I started badgering her about lunch & potty breaks at about 0900. ("When will you eat today?" "What do we need to do before the 11am crowd comes in after eating their pancake breakfast?" "We're caught up, do you need the bathroom first, or can you wait until I'm done in there?").

Even if you have to break down your day hour by hour on paper in order to see the big picture, do it. Plan for the unexpected, and make the time to eat, chart and go to the ladies room. The days that you run yourself into the ground should be the exception, not the rule.

Good luck and I hope that you are able to make this work for you. And stay warm!!!

Blee

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I ditto those who recommend you talk with your preceptor soon. Let her know what you need and see if she feels like she is willing/able to provide that. If not, then move to your nurse manager or education coordinator or whoever about your concerns. It may be a situation where their idea of orientation and yours are not the same (this is what I ran into as a new grad), or they may be able to match you up with someone who is better able to handle the job of orientation.

Currently I'm on the flip side as a preceptor. It is both challenging and gratifying at the same time. I've done everything possible to avoid the "divide and conquer" technique that it sounds like you are experiencing. However it is tough to do before the orientee is taking a full load. I'm still trying to find the best way.

Out of respect for your preceptor, talk to her. Out of respect for yourself ask for another preceptor if she is not working out. Best of luck to you! :wink2:

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