Whats the percentage of new RNs who "make it" after orientation?

applewhitern, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2012

When I was a new grad, I got a 5 day orientation. 7 weeks sounds quite liberal to me. Anyway, I just wanted to say "eat a good breakfast, get plenty of sleep for the several nights before you start, be a few minutes early, and quit worrying."

OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN · Apr 12, 2012

Why 20,000? I live in northeast FL, every hosp that isnt a internship program is only a 7 wk orientation.

I'm getting 6 months of training that is why.

chevyv, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2012

Will you have a preceptor for a few months after your 7weeks is up? I had about 7 weeks but I work on a behavioral health unit. We send out anyone with severe or potential medical emergencies. My poor med surg skill I was just beginning to acquire in nursing school.

I've been thinking of looking after my two years is up, but I would be scared to be let loose after 7 weeks. At least one of those weeks spent in class rooms going over P&P's so that gives me 6weeks. :eek:

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2012

almost everyone 'makes' it , nurses are expensive.....they want you to succeed.

tcvnurse, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2012

Of all the new grads hired into my unit (cardiothoracic surgery) all but one prospered. Maybe 12 total over the past two years went on the be very good, well liked and respected nurses. One of them was unsafe to practice on our floor, and was transitioned to a medical floor with a new orientation period.

I recently ran into her at the hospital and she stated she was doing well and very happy.

Does this help?

I think how the new grads do depends a lot on who you have precepting them. Nurses who dislike teaching, are very slow to begin with or very stressed out by life factors tend to make poor preceptors/mentors.

Altra, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2012

In my own experience I would put the success rate at about 85%. Of the remaining 15%, a few can be chalked up to orientee/preceptor mismatch, a few demonstrate an unfortunately blatant lack of skill/knowledge/ability, and the remainder suffer from unrealistic expectations that they are unable to reconcile with the reality of day to day nursing.

Damask · Apr 17, 2012

I am a new RN , I start monday with a & week orientation. I graduated in sept 0f 11, i took boards dec29 th, licensed Jan4. started looking for work mid feb. I am also new to this weebsite but I keep reading how alot of new nurses are getting fired after orientation or getting suspended bc of various reasons mostly making mistakes and not being able to "keep up". My question is how many new Rns actually make it after orientation as opposed to the ones who fail. Do you think the number is higher in RNs "making it". I guess im just terrified to start. btw im starting Med/surg Day shift. which from what I read on here is pretty tough.

I'm so glad you asked this! I have the same anxiety as a new grad! I started my hospital's in class week and we took assessments to guide our orientation period. (I was told it will be 10 weeks or longer, depending on what I need. My NM seems wonderful, as does my preceptor.) I'm so excited about the new job, but it's scary...it's hard to believe one really truly has a job, you know? I fear that I'll make a mistake and it will be over.

Anyway, thanks for asking this question and thank you to everyone who answered it. I'm relaxing a bit now.

laraclaire · Apr 17, 2012

Don't be too nervous about "making it" once you're off orientation. I was scared to death when I was first on my own but if you have a good support system and peers that will help you when you need it, you'll be fine. You're going to make mistakes...period. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone needs help once in a while. Don't try and be a hero because that's how mistakes happen. Asking for help is perfectly okay as a new grad, especially with learning the basics of nursing. I still get nervous if I've had a bad shift recently or whatnot. It's normal to feel like you don't know what you're doing because you don't and you won't for many many years. Learning to accept that you will mess up will help you feel better. It doesn't matter what percentage "make it", what matters is that you know when to ask for help. You'll know, you'll get a little itch at the back of your neck or you'll start sweating, feel in over your head and that's when you simply say, I need help. No worries, don't be too hard on yourself. Sorry for the novel but I think it's necessary that new nurses understand this.

jessi1106, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2012

I've seen at least 30 new grads make it just fine through orientation.

I have never seen one not make it.

You'll be fine!

Franjcamp · Apr 17, 2012

Time management is your best friend. All new nurses have to learn to become organized and to prioritize. Watch how your preceptor organizes her work. One week isn't much time for orientation. Our hospital's orientation is 8-12 weeks. Look to see what tools they have available. There are also worksheets online which may help. Most mistakes regarding patient care occurs at hand-off. So make sure your report to the next shift is thorough. As far as percentages...most often it is the new nurses who find the fast pace of the hospital is not their cup of tea. I have seen very few fired in my 25 years at the hospital.

Columnist · Apr 17, 2012

Moved to First Year After Nursing Licensure.

Damask · Apr 18, 2012

Thanks for all the additional tips! I will be open to criticism, ask for help, and watch for organizational tips. It's still...a bit daunting. I suppose it would be foolish of me to be not at all nervous, though. I look forward to feeling fully proficient!