MAGGRN

I work in a facility that is a community hospital with tertiary services. We use Mosbys for policies, protocols and guidelines. They are evidenced based and current. You should check this out first.

I am a nurse manager of a critical care area and I give experienced nurses starting new on our unit at least 4 weeks. we have computerized documentation and that takes at least a week or two to get used to, plus new docs and new policies and protocols. I meet with the new colleague at least every other week with the educator to determine how ready they will be when the 4 weeks are over. If they need more time, we extend. New GNs get at least 3-6 months. I would rather take the time in the beginning than backtrack when mistakes are made.

I feel very lucky. I only have a 10 minute drive in the morning and about 20-25 minutes on the way home, depending on traffic. I usually listen to my voice mails via my bluetooth and try to organize in my head what tasks to accomplish first when I get home. I give you a lot of credit, don't know if I could be in the car that long.