Postpartum orientation...how long?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?p=848084#post848084

so, i had an interview for postpartum/couplet care position today. see above post for that story.

anyway, this hospital is my first choice to work at. i did my 108 hour preceptorship there, so i know the charting and the floor pretty well. i really liked it there and they are known for being a good place to work. they have all staff and i felt they treated students great. i think that tends to reflect generalized job satisfaction as a super stressed nurse can't deal with a student.

the only thing i am not sure about is that i think she said orientation was only 4 weeks. does that seem like enough time? the other hospital in the post above that has called me now gives 6 weeks. my friend works there and from the stories she has told me, i would rather not work there. pt's frequently transferred from L&D unstable, staffing issues, etc.

i would definitely rather work at my first choice, just not sure how long orientation should be. it seems so different depending on the department you are in, etc.

how long was your orientation for postpartum?

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Considering you have already worked on the unit and are familiar with it and with the staff, I don't think two weeks will really make a difference. (Especially because it sounds like two extra weeks of BAD orientation!:eek: ) I would pick quality over quantity in this case. It's only two more weeks, not two months and you essentially are already somewhat orientated to hosp. #1. Anyway, just my opinion.

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Considering you have already worked on the unit and are familiar with it and with the staff, I don't think two weeks will really make a difference. (Especially because it sounds like two extra weeks of BAD orientation!:eek: ) I would pick quality over quantity in this case. It's only two more weeks, not two months and you essentially are already somewhat orientated to hosp. #1. Anyway, just my opinion.

i totally agree. just really wondering how long it typically is in postpartum.

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Not sure. I'm actually looking into Peds. I spoke with the recruiter at Children's Hospital here and he said their New Grad orientation is 3-6 months. That is totally fine with me. The approach is going to be completely different than adult care. I think the "extended" orientation will be worth the $1.50 less an hour that another facility is paying that has a much shorter orientation.

There are a lot of experienced OB/L&D/PP nurses on this BB that don't keep our late hours. I'm willing to bet your question will be responded to a few times by tomorrow. I'm actually kind of curious myself.

Have a good night!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I don't know about PP alone. I was a new grad oriented to LDRP (everything) and it was roughly 4 months of day and day out orientation. PP is not as intense as Labor, I would not think it should take so long. Just be sure you have NRP!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck.

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Our new graduates get about six weeks. Most managers are flexible with orientation, so be assertive with your needs, if you need more, ask for more. Know that you probably won't feel comfortable for about 6 months to a year in postpartum, especially at 2 days per week. It will take you longer because you want to work fewer hours. Know who you can go to withquestions, look for your resources and ask for feedback about your progress. Good luck and welcome to our ranks!

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I crosstrained to PP for 4 weeks. I felt ok at the end of that time caring for patients. I didn't particularly care for PP or the particular hospital, and I think that very negatively affected my performance.

Since you are already familiar with the unit, 4 weeks doesn't sound unreasonable. If at the end of your 4 weeks you still need more time, just ask for it. Most nurse managers would rather give you more orientation than have you feeling incompetant and trying to care for pts.

Good luck!!

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.

I agree with the others, I oriented to PP in 6 wks. with no previous experience. I think the 1st 2 weeks just help me get use to the paperwork and get my bearings. You already have that...so 4 wks. might be ok for you. Just make sure that they are flexible and would be willing to give you a few extra days at the end if you really think you need it.

Good luck to you! I just finished cross-training to L&D...going into L&D/PP is the best choice I have made in a long time!!! :rolleyes:

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