Two day orientation only

[SusieN RN]

I have been working on a rehab unit licensed as a SNF for the past 6 months. It is within a hospital network and being that I have worked two years in an LTACH and did a very short stint in a trauma ICU, I really wanted to get more into acute care again, really wanting to do trauma. I accepted a position in a med/surg trauma unit in the hospital network (with my manager's blessing) and started about a week ago, feeling it would be a good place to learn more about trauma and develop my skills again. When I got there, I discovered I was only being given a 2 day orientation. I admitted I felt a bit out of practice being that I hadn't done telemetry, assessments, drips, etc... in about a year and would feel better with more time. The unit manager agreed with me as well. I requested about a month just to get up to speed. I was told today I could not have a month of orientation and it was suggested that I go back to my previous unit for now and that my previous unit would like me back. They also suggested I speak with the recruiters to see if there is an acute care unit with lower acuity so I can refresh my skills. I am of course returning to my precious unit for the time being that I am grateful the network does value me as a nurse and it is a job, however this is not necessarily what I want and I feel I will continue to lose my skills here.

Is two days of orientation the norm for experienced nurses? I feel like I'm going to be stuck in SNF nursing forever. And I actually got at least a 3 month orientation at the SNF, which I did not need at all. I'm really quite frustrated. I went to this new unit to learn and it didn't seem to happen.

[dannibeeRN]

Two days is not enough IMO. You will likely need a little extra time to get back up to speed of the crazy world of floor nursing and two days won't cut it. A month, as you've requested, should be sufficient. I hope you get the training you need. Don't feel shy about letting your manager know how you are progressing.

[SusieN RN]

I have agreed to go back to my previous unit. My previous manager said to me "we will work with you here to get your clinical skills back so you can go to a med/surg floor". She was also surprised that all I could have for orientation were two days. I have a lot of support over at the rehab unit I used to work for, so it's not a bad move for now.

[Jules A, MSN]

I'd agree 2 days is no where near enough but have to say I have never received a month of orientation even as a new grad. Good luck and pat yourself on the back because it definitely sounds as if you are a valued employee.