7 Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your Nursing Orientation
Key takeaways:
Orientation can be a source of stress for both new and experienced nurses.
Orientation is designed to help you learn the policies, procedures, documentation, and expectations of your role.
Staying engaged while learning and communicating your needs during orientation will give you the best experience and opportunity for growth.
Nursing orientation can be stressful for recent graduates and seasoned nurses. You’ll find yourself in an adjustment period to adapt to your new role whenever you change positions. Nursing orientation familiarizes you with policies, procedures, and documentation required by your organization.
This article will discuss how to make the most out of your nursing orientation.
Orientation is critical to future success
Orientation programs can influence the career path of nurses. When nurses experience a well-designed nursing orientation and develop a positive attitude, they tend to be more satisfied and raise their competency levels.
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Greater competency has been shown to improve the quality of patient care and satisfaction levels of patients and nurses. New nurses experience less anxiety about their new roles and improve working relationships with their peers. Orientation that does not lead to a positive experience can influence recent graduates to leave a position or the nursing profession entirely.
Nursing orientation can span from just a few weeks to several months, depending on the work setting and the experience level of the orientee. Typically, a new nurse is paired with an experienced one, who helps facilitate their training and watches their progression.
Tips for a successful orientation
Because nursing orientation can be overwhelming, we’ve developed this list of strategies designed to help you have the best experience and get the most out of orientation.
1. Be prepared and get organized
Prepare well for your orientation shifts. This includes having your uniform and any work supplies you’ll need ready to go. Will you need specific equipment like a stethoscope, penlight, or scissors? You’ll want a tote bag to carry and keep your supplies in. Pack a healthy lunch and snacks to get you through your shift.
2. Take notes
Keep a notebook handy and write important things your preceptor tells you. A small notebook and pen that can fit in your pocket are ideal. Be alert for statements like, “We always check…” or “make sure to document…” You’ll also want to write any questions you have after a shift. You can review these with your preceptor at the start of your next shift.
3. Know how you learn best
Do you learn best by doing? Or do you prefer verbal instruction or observing and then trying a task? Let your preceptor know how you learn best, so they can tailor your experience to your preferred learning style when they can.
4. Watch and learn
Every nurse does things a little differently. By studying different techniques, you can learn and combine styles to find what works best for you. Look for many different opportunities to get all the experience you can while still in orientation — start IVs, change dressings, draw blood, and insert catheters and tubes. Let the nurses on your shift know what procedures you need to practice so they can let you know if the opportunity arises.
5. Change preceptors if yours isn’t a good fit
Even exceptional nurses might not be good preceptors. If you are not getting the level of support that you need, politely ask about changing preceptors. Keep an eye for which nurses can be a resource for you once orientation has ended.
6. Practice calling doctors
Calling doctors is a source of anxiety for many nurses. Your preceptor can help you role-play and coach you on what to say before you make the call. Role-playing the scenario will help you feel prepared for questions you might be asked. The more you practice, the less anxiety-provoking these calls will become.
7. Carry a full patient load
A few weeks before your orientation is over, ask your preceptor to let you care for the complete patient assignment while they observe. Some preceptors have trouble just standing back. But, you need to know that you can work independently. Once you know you can carry a full assignment, you’ll feel more confident.
The bottom line
Your orientation can make the difference in a successful transition and confidence in your skills. Using our strategies to stay engaged while learning will help you get the most out of orientation. Use the time to learn, practice, and make connections with other nurses who can be a resource as you progress.
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