reasonable orientation for an experienced nurse?

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

I am about to start a new job and the orientation will be 8 shifts. I will be going from computer charting back to paper. Do you think 8 shifts is enough? They will be 12s.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Sounds reasonable.

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More than I had as a new grad!!! Needless to say I resigned from that job.

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

I'm assuming you're experienced in the specialty of your new job, and not just an experienced nurse going from, say, med-surg to oncology where there may be a big learning curve regarding procedures, medications, etc. If that's the case, three weeks to learn the lay of the land, where your supplies are, and how to chart seems appropriate.

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

Yeah, I'm going from a tele/step down to a tele unit. Less patients, but possibly heavier patients overall. I have pretty good time management with my computerized charting system. I just don't like the thought of being slow again because of a new paper system.

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

Having used paper charting before, if suggest bringing blank copies of the flow sheets, assessment forms, (whatever your most commonly used forms are) home and looking them over. Knowing what the forms contain and where to find the information ou want will save you a lot of time.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

8 shifts is quite generous, IMO.

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I found paper quicker if the flowsheets are well-designed.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Unless you were changing to a drastically different specialty (such as going from psych to L&D), 8 shifts should be more than sufficient to orient you.

Best of luck at your new job!

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I have to say it sounds generous. Prepare yourself well, and you should be fine.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Oh, speaking as someone who started their nursing career with paper charting...find out what type of pen you like the best, then go to OfficeMax or Amazon and order them in bulk. Trust me, charting on paper is far more pleasant when you're using your favorite type of pen.

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A 3 week orientation should be enough to teach you the routine of the unit.

I feel going back to paper charting requires less learning than a new EMR.

Good luck, let us know how it is going. You can always ask for an additional week of orientation.

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