Two and a half week orientation?

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I'm a new grad RN, and I just accepted a med/surg tele unit position at rural hospital in my hometown. Initially, I was told by the NM that I would have a six week orientation. Well, earlier this week when I stopped in to get my schedule she only has me down for basically, a two and a half week orientation. Is that really enough time for a new grad? She told me I would be ready by then, but to me that seems a little bit quick. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

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It's not enough time - quite ridiculous actually. It sounds like the NM is going to do what she's going to do. I'd decline the job, personally.

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Not enough time, period. Honestly, 6 weeks is already the minimum; she's trying to throw you out on the floor faster because she doesn't have enough staff, is my guess. Which means you'll be working a full assignment before you're ready to juggle one.

Talk to her. Tell her you don't want to go up in flames the first week you're on your own, and two weeks' orientation is setting you up for just that.

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Definitely not enough time.... I had 6 weeks and still felt very nervous on my own. I would have declined the position if they only gave me 2.5 weeks!

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Call her and ask her about it. 2.5 weeks is in NO WAY enough time.

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Not enough. As an experienced RN in a new hospital I've gotten 4 weeks. 2 1/2 weeks for a new grad? No no no.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Ridiculously and dangerously short.

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Agree.....wholeheartedly woefully too SHORT. ..You want to start your first experience with a good solid foundation and 2.5 weeks will not achieve this. I get the feeling the NM is trying to solve staffing issues and has forgotten the big picture. You must polity tell her that that will not meet you needs.It is quite a bit to hire and orient any new employee so they should protect that investment by not short changing you. You should also have the flexibility to be able to ask for a bit more is after 6 weeks you think you may need more. That is what I do...I evaluate their progress weekly.and add more time after I evaluate everything and speak with the employee. The employees,now my coworkers love this approach and feel very supported and know we will be there to help them even after they are off their training period.

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

It's very common in my area. I know 2 nurses at different hospitals who experienced this. They stuck it out, asked the charge nurse a lot of questions, and they were fine...although stressed.

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Moved to First Year After Nursing Licensure for more response.

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I wouldn't do it. I just started working in med/surg and even as an experienced RN (just a different specialty) they are giving me 6-8 weeks orientation time. Employers are known for doing that; being short staffed and shortening orientation periods. Let her know that you appreciate the opportunity with them but if the orientation period cannot be extended you may not be able to stay with the company. There are two things that are more important that your job: the lives of the patients and your nursing license. We all need money and we need to work but we do not need to be put into a situation where the patients and your future in nursing are at risk. And trust me, that is a VERY BIG RISK! Do not underestimate it.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Ask for more time. As others have said, 2 1/2 weeks is ridiculously short. I had 6 weeks and I was very nervous when I was on my own. Having a shorter orientation for new grads seems to be more common nowadays because of staffing. Talk to your NM.

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