Related: New Grad, New Nurse, Orientation, Orientee

I just graduated in May and passed boards in July. I found a job with no difficulty in a pediatric unit of a rural hospital. Since I was the only newly hired nurse at this hospital, I had a 4 hour "mini" orientation to cover JCAHO standards and basic hospital measures such as handwashing, etc. Nursing orientation was delayed until more nurses were available to [...]

Related: Fear, New Nurse, Orientation

I am having a hard time adjusting to the transition from school to work.

I have had an orientation that was promised to last 12 weeks but because we are so short staffed, it is being cut short. I am terrified to be by myself, the honeymoon is over and there are more threats of being written up for things that I was NEVER taught. I [...]

Related: Attitude, New Grad, New Nurse, New Nurse Tips, Non-Verbal Language, Orientation, Orientee, Preceptor

Understanding your preceptor's non-verbal cues can make or break your precepting experience. Kim Rapper, RN, BSN, shares how a preceptor's attitudes can influence the way they interact with the orientee—and offers advice on what an orientee can do about it.

Related: Authority, Communication, New Grad, New Nurse, New Nurse Tips, Orientation, Orientee, Preceptor, Problem Solving

Some preceptors just don't get it right. They don't let you ask questions. They demean you. They don't provide you with adequate resources. Here preceptor Kim Rapper, RN, BSN, shares the signs of a preceptor who may be struggling to train you right.

Related: Authority, Communication, Conflict, Emotions, Feedback, Feelings, Learning, Mindset, New Grad, New Nurse, New Nurse Tips, Nurse Support, Orientation, Orientee, Preceptor, Problem Solving

If you're tempted to ask for a new preceptor, watch this video first. Experienced preceptor Kim Rapper, RN, BSN, suggests you ask these questions to help you determine if you ought to persevere in the relationship or seek a preceptor who will equip you for your future.

Related: Attitude, Confidence, Fear, New Grad, New Nurse, New Nurse Tips, Orientation, Orientee, Preceptor

Kim Rapper, RN, BSN, has years of precepting experience; she understands that preceptors have fears, too. In this video, she shares common fears that every preceptor experiences--and strategies for matching preceptors with orientees.

Related: Attitude, New Grad, New Nurse, Orientation, Orientee, Preceptor

Kim Rapper, RN, BSN, has years of precepting experience; she knows the struggles between preceptors and orientees. In this video, she shares what orientees don't know about their preceptors--and how this knowledge could lead to a more positive precepting experience.

Related: Magnet Hospitals, New Grad, New Nurse, Nurse Resident Programs, Nurse Residents, Nurse Support, Orientation, Orientee, Preceptor, Quitting, Stress, Success, Support

Your first day on the job, did you quiver when you did an IV start? Most new nurses feel ill-equipped and insecure their first year. And according to Jean Roberson, a nurse educator who implemented a residency program at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL, their stress will peak at the six-month mark--once orientation is over.

Fortunately, some hospitals have begun to recognize the benefit [...]