Thoughts on orientation length

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I'm choosing between two jobs, and length of orientation is really playing a factor. I know that longer is always better, but would 3 months be plenty adequate for someone with other nursing experience? I am really leaning towards the shorter orientation job, for other reasons, but I would hate to short-change myself. In the end I want to be the best I can be.

PS I know I posted a simliar question previously, but hoping for lots of opinions!

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I think I posted on your other thread, but I can't say enough how much you will benefit from as long an orientation as possible--if you're getting paid to learn, why not take advantage?

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Hi, thanks I think you did post in the other thread. I am just so torn with these two jobs, I have been offered both! There are just so many variables to consider. Pay and commute are the same, and that is it.

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Specializes in Nurse Manager, Labor and Delivery.

If you are totally new to OB ( you only mentioned prevous nursing experience, and I am assuming that since your post is here, you are looking at OB jobs) take the longer orientation. Even with previous nursing experience, you will be learning a whole new arena with MANY MANY MANY facets. You will have so much to learn and put into practice...its just better to have your safety net for as long as possible. If it ends up that you don't need the full time, so be it. That never hurts....too short, however, can be a very bad thing.

While previous experience is a plus, its not OB experience.

Good luck with your decision.

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Specializes in labor & delivery.

In this case, more is more. I just got off orientation after 4.5 months. Was supposed to be 15 weeks, but my preceptor was changed constantly and I asked for extra time because I felt that with so many to learn from, I was not getting what I needed. I am so happy I got the extra time. I get nervous the night before each shift and worry all the way to work about what I will walk in to. Luckily, we have a very supportive team. That would be the other thing to consider when choosing your position--support from the rest of the team. You will need it. Good luck!

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

I had three months of orientation as a new graduate in the pediatric intensive care unit. I did okay. So with previous experience, and if you brush up on your OB knowledge before starting, you should be fine with three months.

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Thanks for all the input! :) I decided to choose the longer orientation. It will be 5-6 months!

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Think of it as your employer investing in you and your success. 5-6 months is wonderful, they must really want their nurses to be ready. :) Congrats on the new job!

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Specializes in ICU, OR.

Wow, 5-6 months for an RN with other experience? I've never heard of that. Even as a new grad I had a 3 month orientation.

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