What should I insist on learning in orientation?

[ByTheLake]

I'm starting orientation next week at my first job as a new grad in a Psych unit. I'm fairly optimistic as the mgr is nice, turnover is almost non-existent (he said they generally only lose nurses to retirement b/c it's a great place to work), and the psych unit makes up most of the hospital so it's not treated as the ugly step-child.

The orientation is supposed to last about 7 weeks before I'm on my own, less than the minimum 12 weeks on regular med-surg units there. Does that seem adequate? What should I ask to learn about if they don't cover it? What do you wish you'd learned in orientation that you didn't? What were some of the most helpful things you learned in orientation? And finally, what do I do if, at the end of orientation, I do not yet feel prepared to work alone? Can I insist on a longer training period?

[RN1263]

I'm a new grad also and I was hired at a psych hospital. My first 2 days on day shift consisted of competency testing and a de-esculation class. Then my first 2 days on the floor I shadowed, the 3rd day I was given 3 pts., the 4th day- 5 pt's, the 6th day-6pt's and the 7th- 6 pts........

Next week I start my regular shift which will be nights. I will supposedly get 2 weeks of oreintation on nights, but probably w/ my own pt. load.

So, do "I" think "your" orientation is fair.....YEP! I had my own pts. after 2 days on the floor. Of course other nurses are around, but the pts. are still my responsibility.

Your situation seems dreamy compared to mine!

You must first understand the charting/assessments, why the meds are being given and pyxis machine/med pass, then how to admit and discharge a pt., also how to remove orders and verify orders on the charts and MARS. There are other misc. things, but those are just the basics. As I said I've only been on the floor 7 days....

You'll be fine, you're getting more than enough orientation;)