What should orientation be like?

[jam2007]

I'm at a rehab on a cardiac unit (not med/surg)and I was told the orientation is 3 weeks. I had one week of classroom (paperwork, company policies, blah, blah) My preceptor and I usually have 6-7 patients, she will take a few and so far I have managed 5 after 4 weeks. It gets so hectic, I feel like I'm not learning anything. I had a med to give and wasn't sure why the pt. needed it...so I try to find out and it slows me down...meanwhile my preceptor just makes an assumption about why the pt is on it and doesn't look into it (turns out she was incorrect). Is that normal? I like to know why my pts are on meds and do my morning assessments, f course my 8's are always late and everyone is on cardiac meds.

Half the time I have questions, she's dealing with her patients, and I can't even find her, so I get slowed down, which adds to my anxiety.

I guess I'd like to know what others experiences have been with orientation and if they feel like they get enough support.

[AprilRNhere]

I've just finished my first week of on the floor orientation. Sad to say..but your situation sounds common from others on the board. So far...I've been lucky. I only felt overwhelmed 1 day. THe other 4 days I was assigned to someone who fought to keep the pt load down for my benefit. I know it'll be a struggle to get used to a full load...but you can do it...as I know I can.

After reading many posts here....I forewarned my husband that the first 6 months I may hate my job...I may hate nursing and doubt myself...but to just keep encouraging me and know it'll get better. I believe that...it took alot of work to get here..but that doesn't mean the learning is over.

[Piki]

Gosh, 3 weeks on a cardiac rehab floor doesn't sound like near enough! Yikes, I'd be nervous. I'm on a med-surg (post-surgical unit) and our orientation is 3 months. So far I will have had 3 weeks of class time (including this week's class on dysrhythmias, as we are also a tele unit), and 2 weeks on the floor. I have always been with a preceptor altho I am taking 4 patients at a time so far (pt load is typically 4-6). I would not feel comfortable coming off orientation with only 2 weeks on the floor. If you don't feel comfortable with the length of the orientation you need to speak up.