Part-time PICU - How much orientation should I expect?

[adpiRN]

I'm being considered for a part time PICU position.

My experience is about 3.5 years of L&D and 6 months of mother/baby (PRN).

So not a new nurse but new to Peds and the ICU environment.

I plan to ask about orientation in an interview but just wondering what answer I should hope to hear.

Do part timers get less orientation overall? (Especially if they work part-time during orientation?)

[chare]

In my experience, most units consider part time employees similar to per diem. As such, these positions are typically offered either to applicants with experience or current employee wishing to decrease their hours. For those hired from outside, they nearly always receive a reduced orientation.

[mystory, BSN, RN]

PICU is probably the most intimidating specialty to me personally. I would want at least 4 weeks.

[adpiRN]

I'd hope so!! I would hope at least 8!

We'll see...

[chare]

When you say part time, how many days a week are you referring to?

[adpiRN]

When you say part time, how many days a week are you referring to?

It doesn't say.

But I assume 2 12s a week?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

This inquiry is specific to the PICU. Therefore, the thread has been moved to our PICU Nursing forum to elicit responses from those who work in that specialty.

[chare]

On my unit you would likely be offered ~6 weeks, based upon your experience. This will vary depending upon the unit. Definately bring this up during your interview.

Best wishes to you x and good luck in your interview.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

On my unit you would receive the same orientation (16 weeks for new grads, 8-12 weeks for others) as anyone else with your education and experience, but it would take you longer to complete. Two 12s a week is 60% of full time, so you would need 40% more calendar time than someone full time. Orientation should be tailored to the individual but I find that it isn't.

[Eleven011]

I've never worked in NICU, but when I interviewed for a part time position (2-3 10 hour shifts) I offered to work full time while on orientation so as not to extend out the time it took to get me going. They loved that and jumped on it. Just a thought.