Not getting any patients assigned at end of preceptorship - page 2

"Usually"? From my experience and from talking to others the "usual" you present is one variation on the "possible" roads to becoming an ER nurse. I didn't have (nor did I feel like I needed) a year long internship as a new grad in the ER. I DID however, have a much longer orientation than 12 shifts. But based on what the OP describes, it sounds like they're actually managing to do quite a bit during the preceptorship.

A student has no business taking an independent patient load in an ED nor any other sort of critical care area. While it's incredibly stupid that the facility does not provide access to the EMR to students, that shouldn't be the determinant of whether you take an independent patient load. It sounds like you're collaborating with your preceptor to pretty much do the entire job, which is what you should be doing as a student. Anything else would be doing you, and the patients, a disservice.

It sounds like your preceptor respects you and is giving you a wonderful learning experience, which is what you're supposed to have. Would you really want to go to an ED and not have an RN be actively involved in your care, even if it's just to say behind the scenes "good work, I agree with your assessment and plan" to the student?

I initially responded to your post and indicated I agreed you should have the opportunity to have your own patient load, but should clarify I meant under the guidance of an RN. When I had my own patients as a student, it was always with review from the RN who was responsible for their care. I ran through my assessments, care plans, etc with them before actually doing what needed to be done that was allowed by me as a student. It sounds as if you do have your own load in a sense, just not independently, as Sun0408 pointed out, you can't have your "own" as a student. Aside from not having access to charts it sounds like you are getting great experience and insight into how and ER works. Keep up the good work and good luck in pursing, and landing, your desired job!

We never had our own patients in nursing school. You get all the experience you need when you start. As long as you have good coworkers, you'll be fine. I've been a nurse for 1 1/2 years and still ask about basic things sometimes because I just haven't had to do them yet.

I too did my preceptorship in the ER and didn't have my own load, but took care of my preceptors load as if it were my own and she shadowed me. She was my aid instead of me being hers, perhaps you need to ask for this?