What to expect?

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 29, 2008

Oh...the jobs I've had and worked during my first year of nursing.......:rotfl:

My 1st job was a Tele unit. My first couple of weeks were filled with general orientaiton, nursing orientation, class room work, etc.. About the 3rd week I started actually with a preceptor. I had pretty much the same preceptor the entire time I was on orientation. The first day I watched, the 2nd day I took a patient, gradually increased my patient load until I had them all myself and my preceptor just watched and answered questions as needed. Then I went to nights where my preceptor was the charge nurse. She just helped me as needed but had a million other duties so she wasn't around a bunch, which helped me gain some confidence.

I started the end of Dec and actually my last day of work there I was released off orientation and my next shift would've been alone with a resource person if needed. That was the end of Feb. I started with 4 other new grads between my unit and our sister unit and I was the 1st to be released off orientation. It was very tailored to each person's needs and learning styles. However, I had also worked on this unit as a tech during my last semester of school plus did all my clinicals in NS there - so I had some advantage over being familiar with the unit. Everyone else ended up being released shortly after I left.

I ended up leaving right when my orientation ended but it had nothing to with my orientation. I found a job closer to home, more what I wanted and better hours that were more conducive to my home life.

My 2nd (and every job thereafter) has been ER.

My orientation for my 1st ER job started in March and ended in June after I finished ACLS. I worked at this particular job all thru NS as an ER tech and so it was just learning to be an ER nurse. I took about 4 months but I also had an ACLS class that HAD to be taken before I was released from orientation. It was a pretty good orientation for the most part for me anyway. I still continue to work there on a very per diem basis (like 1 shift every couple of months).

My 3rd job was also ER and it was and always has been per diem. I had about 6 weeks of orientation there which some general and nursing orientation thrown in there. My orientation was spaced out because I worked strictly as needed there and some weeks I could work 2 days, while others I couldn't work at all. This orientation was actually pretty good despite the fact this unit is pretty chaotic at times. I work there now about 3-4 shifts a month.

My current job is also ER and I was on orientation/probation for 90 days and actually just officially got "released" on Monday. I unofficially got 1 day of orientation but I work with some aweosme people who were always there if I needed. Since I've worked rural ER for a time now as an RN, it was all about learning rules, P&P and where stuff is at now anyway.

Hope that helps!!!!

JanessaG, BSN · Feb 29, 2008

I think it is totally different depending on where you go. I know of one hospital in my area that offers 8 weeks of orientation. The hospital I work at has a versant program and it is about 5 months of orientation. Everyone I know who has completed this program says they were really well preparred. I would say, from what I know and have heard, you would want to look for an orientation period of at least 8 weeks.

Good luck on your upcoming interviews!!! :heartbeat

seanpdent, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Feb 29, 2008

I agree with the above posts, it all depends on where you go.

It varies. Every nursing specialty, every hospital, every unit has their own recipe for success. You simply have to ask what is expected of you, what is required of you, and what you should expect from them!

I can vary.. anywhere from 4 weeks up to 3 months. As a new grad you should get the attention you need and deserve. So don't let anyone tell you that you only need a short amount of time.

Nursing is not a sprint, but a marathon race. Take your time and learn all you can while you're on orientation.

Best of luck.