how is training once you get a job as a new grad rn

**CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN** · Oct 6, 2012

I started on a med-surg floor in a new grad orientation program. There was a week of classes/orientation. I think 12 or so weeks of working under a preceptor. We also have monthly classes for the first year or so (and weekly the first month). I feel really glad to have gotten into the program I did.

Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2012

I have been working on a progressive care unit for 6 months. We had orientation for week, and weekly classes for a month. I worked with a preceptor for 10 weeks. There are many department specific classes (at least 2 a month) that are required for new hires as well as computer based learning. The types of classes we have had so far are EKG, care of thoracotomy, care of CV surgery patient, pacemakers/icds, cardiac rhythms, ACLS, cardiac drips, & others I can't really think of right now. This is just the standard orientation for all nurses on my unit, and isn't specifically a "new grad program".

ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2012

i work ortho/oncology med surg. i had one week of orientation classes, and im in the midst of my orientation on the unit. they said it can be anywhere from 4 weeks to 12 weeks, whenever my preceptor thinks im ready.

nursemaddie · Oct 6, 2012

I had 1 week of general hospital orientation, and was promised 8-10 weeks under a preceptor (24-30 shifts), but only got 17. And i had to fight for the last two shifts. I am so not prepared for this, and my first night alone was Hades. I'm on a busy med surg floor, and of the 5 nurses on shift that night, we had a total combined experience of less than 2 years. The charge nurse was on a different floor with her own team, and I have gotten onto trouble for some of the things I did that night, even though i called her and begged for help. My patients are all OK, but really?