Orientation Evolution

It's been almost a full week of orientation. Whew. The best one-word to describe it is: whirlwind! I'm tired and am most certainly finding out that my learning is far from over, even though I just graduated and passed the NCLEX!

Some of the nurses from 15 or 20 years ago have told us about their orientation that basically consisted of someone giving them the keys to the medication drawers and showing them where the lounge was before setting them loose to do their job as a new RN. Quiet different from the orientation I am privileged to be a part of today!

It is such a comprehensive, intense orientation. I'm sure my next couple posts will be focused on the orientation process, as it will go on for at least 90 days. Right now I'm still doing the general hospital orientation. I will start my unit specific orientation next week. I will go through classes for specific topics related to my specialty: postpartum hemorrhage, gestational age assessment, PIH, etc. And will work with a preceptor closely during this period.

This is the largest orientation group the hospital ever hired. There are 63 new employees with about 30 of them being new registered nurses. I am the only one that was hired into obstetrics, however, which makes me feel honored as a few of the other RNs there told me they requested obstetrics as well.

I'm tired. Today we focused on IVs, IV therapy, pumps, central lines, etc. Tomorrow will be epidurals and pain management.

They feed us very well! Each day we get bagels, yogurt, fruit, coffee, etc. for breakfast, a complete hot lunch spread and snacks and drinks throughout the day. I am feeling valued and appreciated. Something I've not experienced before at any job I've had before.

That's the general overview. I'll write more later as I regain my stamina... The week is wearing me out. But, in a good way. I'm truly excited about the beginning of this next leg of the journey!