reasonable orientation for an experienced nurse?

Published

  • 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.

loriangel14, RN

6,931 Posts

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Sounds reasonable.

mtngrl, ASN, RN

312 Posts

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

Double-Helix, BSN, RN

1 Article; 3,377 Posts

Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU. Has 12 years experience.

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.

amzyRN

1,142 Posts

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.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN

1 Article; 3,377 Posts

Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU. Has 12 years experience.

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.

klone, MSN, RN

14,490 Posts

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership. Has 17 years experience.

8 shifts is quite generous, IMO.

RNperdiem, RN

4,580 Posts

Has 14 years experience.

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

allnurses Guide

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

4 Articles; 7,907 Posts

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!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN

4 Articles; 10,428 Posts

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

Good luck!

allnurses Guide

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

4 Articles; 7,907 Posts

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.

Has 33 years experience.

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.