New nurse with bad preceptor in the CCU

[Emmy2001]

Hello everyone,

I am a new nurse having just graduated a few months ago and my first job is in the CCU. During the time that I am there, my preceptor is always charge nurse. This leaves me most of the time with many questions that I want to ask but my preceptor is most of the time busy with other nurses' patients or paperwork that she is assigned. I spend my days in a panic almost because I feel very much 'thrown to the wolves'. As much as I try to get the most I can out of this experience, I feel that my preceptor is not able to have the time to teach me and do all the other work that comes with being a charge nurse. This leaves me to ask questions to other nurses who happen to be not busy at the time and I feel like I am getting in their way. My question is, being a new nurse and in critical care of all areas, shouldn't my preceptor be with me most often until I become comfortable doing things myself? I have told my director that I think I need a different perspective and if at all possible, I would like to have a different preceptor-which he promised me anyway when I was hired! He hasn't done anything about my complaint.

[nightengalegoddess]

OMGosh. Been a stellar Med-Surg-Tele RN for seven years, been also inpatient rehab.....now trauma ICU.....just like a new grad again.....can't imagine being a new grad with no guidance in ICU!!!!GEEZ!!!! Good for you and your license (alas for the rent/mortgage, etc. right now)...this too shall pass. Hugs.