8 weeks of orientation

I had 3 weeks of classes, then 3 weeks of mix of classes (NRP, STABLE, misc hospital new employee classes) and day shift preceptorship, then another 6 weeks night shift preceptorship before being set free. Total of 12 weeks.

What level is the NICU?

Short answer is no, that isn't enough time. My residency was almost 6 months long and a mix of working on the unit with a preceptor and class work. It seemed like pretty much the perfect amount of time to at least get you somewhat ready to practice safely in the nicu on your own.

I'm right around 7 weeks now and I couldn't imagine being out of orientation next week. I haven't even got to the really sick babies yet, just 'stable' vents..

I'm going to probably need more time I just feel overwhelmed I'm handling my assignments okay but then there's skills I need to fulfill on top of all that and I've sought out opportunities but it's just a lot to cover in a short time.

I agree that is not enough time for orientation. Request more time, if you can. Talk with other newbies to see how they handled it. Ask for a buddy when off orientation - a person you can go to for advice, help.

I can't imagine a NICU would allow anyone to come in and work with infants with no training. It seems like you should let management and the nurse educator know that you are uncomfortable. If they don't take you seriously, go to the next step. Sometimes something as easy as switching preceptors may help a lot. Everyone has different learning styles.

Depends on the level of a NICU. 8 weeks may be enough for a Level II where you have feeder/growers or a stable vent, but 8 weeks is not enough time for a Level III or IV NICU.

Even after I was off orientation, they gave me a pod mate that had experience to use as a resource person for the first month.

In your opinion is 8 weeks of orientation enough for a new grad in the NICU? It seems like most hospitals give at least 12 with supplemental education/lab time. We also get no class time or anything supplemental and I feel like there isn't really a lot of structure. Week one I had feeder/growers then suddenly week two im at vents/HFOV which is fine I need the experience with acuity but now I'm questioning if this is a good fit for me.

I think 8 wks is too short a time-more like 12 -16wks and always having a resource person after orientation. On one of my the travel assignments, nurses were being pulled off orientation and given critical babies due to understaffing. The task was completed but you can tell by their report they didnt know why they were doing it. One girl was given a jet ventilator without a preceptor having only taken care of NC and CPAP. About 2 hrs into the shift she came to me to complain- I told her go to the CN and have her change her assignment-which she did. Scary.

It's a level 4. Yeah, even my preceptor said it wasn't enough time. Once I get my evaluation I'm going to let them know. It sucks because I really want to be a NICU nurse but I want to do it safely and with enough training. My non-nursing friends think 8 weeks is so long and I'm whining they have NO idea.

Absolutely not, 12 weeks for level 2 NICU orientation, work with level 2 babies for a while, then 12 weeks orientation into level 3 Nicu rning.

I appreciate the input from everyone. I feel like this short orientation with no classes or anything is just not adequate. I have a heavy heart and find myself crying either before or after each shift. Is this a normal feeling?

No, it isn't. You need to talk with the unit manager, CNS or educator.