nurseBe

As a New grad my unit was very supportive and resourceful, I never felt alone, but did feel ready to work independently and find my "routine", as opposed to my preceptors. Six weeks was enough orientation for me,but I also did my preceptorship in school (which was approx 144 hours on the same floor). I do think it is individual. I was also told if I needed more time just to let them know.

I work for HCA in California and started right out of school. My orientation was 6 weeks, but because I had to wait for my results of NCLEX it ended up to be about 8 weeks. I was working as an interim permitee. I also did my preceptorship on the same floor so felt prepared to be on my own.

I thought that PCT's were the same as CNA's. I have never heard of PCT's that strted IV's or inserted catheters, just basic ADL's. Only lisenced people do these tasks (including blood glucose monitoring). Anybody else in California seen PCT's doing these other skills?

Patient safety always comes first. If a fellow nurse needs assistance teamwork is imperative. Patient care is improved with teamwork. Help eachother and CYA. I am very pleased with assistance I get from other RN's at my job, but if a patient's safety is jeopordized it needs to be addressed, this is our job.