Please help. . . And quickly!!!

bluebird123 · Sep 16, 2009

wow I would demand more orientation.

dscrn · Sep 16, 2009

Most certainly, you ne. I wish you the bested more training..this seems like a really bad set up

kemkem · Sep 16, 2009

Yeah I realize that 3 days is not NEARLY enough and I was told that if at the end of the 3 days I didn't feel comfortable, I could ask for more orientation, which i fully plan to. But I am not in a position to turn ANY offer down so since I pretty much HAVE to deal with it, I was just wondering if anyone could give me some advice that will help me tomorrow and in these next upcoming weeks and months.

Anyone? :bowingpur:bowingpur:bowingpur

cockynurse80 · Sep 16, 2009

Yikes! Can you say Med error, error, error, error???

I will certainly pray for you! We give our new nurses 2 weeks of orientation-then they get the easiest section to start, generally.

Just relax-drink lots of coffee so you can buzz around the unit quickly and dont forget to pee before you start work! :heartbeat

Turtle in scrubs · Sep 16, 2009

Breathe! And then try and get some sleep :) That is the best advice I can give! Seriously sleep makes everything better. Good luck tomorrow. Remember that no one expects you to know everything as a new grad! (but sometimes they act like they expect you to)

lucyshuman · Sep 16, 2009

It's been so long since I started my first job that I can hardly relate :). But I have oriented many new nurses, and here are some tips that I hope you find helpful. First of all, you are absolutely correct in being intimidated about the sheer volume of work and the short orientation. Let your preceptor know this! Nurses appreciate that their co-workers care about doing a good job. Tell her/him exactly what you have posted here, that you have no health care experience, and that you are unsure how you will get all the work done safely. This helps your preceptor know where your mindset is. Next, don't be afraid to ask questions. When I am teaching someone I would prefer to review something umpteen times, rather than find out later that something really important was not understood. Next, ask your preceptor and other nurses who work there what kind of tips they can give you to help. Ask about specific things such as the med pass and general things such as the flow of work throughout the day. If you ask nicely someone may be willing to write down a list of things. Sometimes I will make up a "Top Ten" list for people. Learn as much as you can during your orientation, but don't get so stressed that you can't concentrate on anything. I can tell from your post that you want to do a good job. Make sure that your facility provides you with the tools (an adequate orientation period) to do just that.

Hushdawg · Sep 16, 2009

I'm just in shock that someone is 21 and has no job experience whatsoever.

As someone who has been working since he was 15 I really can't relate.

I wish you the best; make the most of your 3 days and take notes as best you can... start thinking of what you can and cannot delegate to those who are under your leadership.

A bit of management advice: Never ask someone to do something that you would be unwilling to do yourself; when confronted with that situation you should work in a cooperative fashion rather than giving orders.

The best managers are the ones who are willing to pick up the broom if all others are too busy.

Obviously that won't literally translate to your position but it basically means that as a manager you should not leave something undone simply because it is the task of someone underneath you.

mindlor · Sep 16, 2009

Me thinks Hushdawg is wise. Me would adhere to the advice of the Hushdawg :)

I would also add this.....

Yo, you can only do one thing at a time, focus on the task at hand. If you start 100 different things without completing any of them well, it stinks.

I am told in psych class that this is a huge point of difference between man and woman....man likes to start a task complete it and go to next task. Women like to start a million things and then multitask?

Just out of curiosity....this is true? What say you ladies?

I am not saying one way is better than the other as I understand that everyone has their own method...

PICNICRN, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2009

2 days of orientation is CRAZY!! When I was a new grad it received 6 mnths- I know it is a different specialty- but 2 days! This is an accident waiting to happen- IMHO. I can rememeber my first few days of orientation... my preceptor had to remind me to push air into my vial before drawing my med into my syringe.... that is how little I knew as a new grad.

You have orientation to learn- policy/procedure, documentation, and Skills(which you are totally lacking as a new grad)- and I do not mean to put you down by saying that- It is the truth, none of us had those skills as new grads! To put you in the situation to be responsible not only for your patients, but to cover unlicensed staff with your license with 2 days of nursing experience total is just NUTS!!

Please do not start your nursing career in a facility that is going to set you up for failure..... remember, if you agree to your assignment after 2 days of orientation- you agree that you are in fact competent to perform the task- YOU will be responsible for anything that happens! Don't expect your employer to have your back.

Please think about this!!

Sparrowhawk · Sep 16, 2009

Get more orientation....that's ridiculous....Especially for someone with no experience. I had more orientation then that...two weeks..but still. Then I went back to orientation onNOCS to learn charge.

Turtle in scrubs · Sep 16, 2009

So Kemkem... How was your first day? How do you feel after reading everyones posts? Just thinking about you and hope you are ok.