What to expect during orientation?

[BrooklynRN11201]

I'm a new nurse and this is a big career change for me. I used to work in finance, graduated nursing school while working full time in June, had an externship in the ED in July and August, got my ACLS and PALS in August and passed my boards in September and now that the hospital I externed at over the summer has hired me as a staff nurse (night shifts) in the ED, I'm starting orientation tomorrow! I realize I'm very fortunate to have a job, in the ED no less, and I'm super excited to begin my career as an RN, but there are SO many unknowns!

First of all, I'm not sure what to wear - I'm guessing business casual?

Secondly, apparently my benefits start on the first day but I don't know any of my options, nor do I know anything about sick days or vacation, etc. is it true that you can't miss ANY days during orientation.... I'm sure this varies with each facility, but generally what was your experience?

Also, when do you think I will technically be working in the ED, a couple of months? I understand that it's classroom/hospital orientation first and then unit specific orientation, but I'm unsure of the length of each.

Lastly, are there exams you have to pass to test your knowledge? Is it at all like nursing school? I know there are certain milestones but what is an example of one?

My neighbor who is an ICU nurse told me to just sit back and enjoy getting paid for practically nothing. She says that everything will be explained to me on my first day, but I'm dying to hear other peoples experiences with their own orientation periods.

Many thanks in advance for sharing!

[The_Optimist]

Congrats on your new job.

My advice? Expect nothing, go in like a sponge looking to absorb and process all valuable information,it does no good to absorb information and not be able to process it.

On expectations? Have your expectations at home but set them aside. When you go into the ED, expect nothing. Expectations sometimes put you in the line for failure when things don't work out as you intended. Every situation could have a pearl of wisdom, you just have to find it; sometimes you may need to look really deep:).

Be as helpful as you can without getting in the way. Don't go looking to make a pal on the first day, if it happens, it happens, otherwise be polite and courteous with all.

Mazel Tov!

[Kaltia]

Business causal for the first few days. Ask about the schedule and what you're doign each day tomorrow but they'll probably tell you without you needing to ask. Honestly you'll probably be bored. It's really usually computer stuff, and basic information you already know being reviewed. Don't expect anything, just flow with it. even if it's a waste of time you are getting paid.

when you do get on to the floor, the_optimist is right. Just try to help as much as you can while staying out of the way. You can always learn something even if it's what not to do

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

Are you going to be in the unit or classes? Casual business if it is out of the unit. Our dress code doesn't allow for jeans or sweats.

[sbostonRN]

Business casual for the first few days. I would carry some scrubs in your car just in case. You will be told when you're starting orientation in your unit, and you'll wear scrubs for that.

Every place I've worked has had a week or so of classroom/computer orientation, where you learn facility policies, general info, computer documentation, how to use glucometers, etc. Then you start a unit-based orientation the following week.

You'll probably learn about your benefits on the first day and choose within a week or so. That's great that they start for you on the first day! I think it might vary from facility to facility for days off during orientation. I personally try my best to not call in sick ever, but especially on orientation because I don't want it to look bad. But if I was really truly sick, well, it is what it is.

I've had to take a medication test at every job I've started. It's very very basic and was you could use a drug book and calculator. Different units had different tests. Now that I'm orienting on the floor, I don't have any tests, but I do have to get signed off on a list of competencies, like blood transfusions, med administration, admissions/discharges, etc etc.

I agree with previous posters about being a sponge and just absorbing all the information. I find orientation very exciting but nerve-wrecking at the same time. Try to see and learn all that you can because it's over before you know it and you want to have taken every opportunity to learn something new. If someone is doing a new procedure, ask if you can look on.

Have fun!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Yikes! You should have been provided with all the logistical information (dress code, hours, benefit choices, etc.) by HR. Hopefully, they will do so on Day #1 of orientation.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - make sure you have a very clear understanding of exactly what you are expected to accomplish during orientation & how "success" will be measured. Good orientation programs will have a very clear set of objectives & criteria for you so that you can refer to them as time goes on in order to check your progress. If you do not have this type of clear 'road map' it can be very stressful to try to figure out what everyone wants - & hope that you are meeting their ambiguous expectations.

The worst case scenario is posted here on AN on a dismally frequent basis.... under threads like "terminated during orientation" or "Didn't pass orientation". Don't put yourself at the mercy of subjective judgments. You deserve clarity, even if you have to drag it out of your educator/preceptor. Oh, and get it in writing.