Had My First Conflict With A Preceptor Today

tachybradyRN · Jan 24, 2013

*hugs* Hang in there. I'm sure you did the best you could. I would note that if you're feeling left out to dry, you should tell your preceptor this.. maybe she doesn't realize? Maybe she feels confident letting you handle more independently than you think you're ready for? Make sure you communicate and make sure you're both on the same page. How far along into orientation are you? Remember, you do have to fly alone eventually, so if you're nearing the end, maybe that's why she's trying to back off a bit...

She is an excellent nurse and I would totally not mind working with her as a coworker. But as a preceptor I feel like she sort of abandoned me and hung me out to dry. We had a difficult assignment, no doubt. And no one died, crumped or even circled the drain. But I think I might have vaporised my deodorant and lost a few years off my life today.
Yet somehow I want to take the onus on myself and beat myself up about not being good enough, when I know I gave 100% today and did the best I could in a tough situation.
Just... argh. Frustration. And it's 45 minutes past my bedtime and I can't relax enough to sleep.

Orange Tree · Jan 24, 2013

I often feel frustrated in the way you describe after a hard shift, and I've been off orientation for a few years! If no one was circling the drain, it's probably better that she took a backseat role and let you struggle a bit. It may not feel good, but it forces you to become more organized and efficient.

You should feel a little more confident every time you survive a difficult shift, not less. So pat yourself on the back instead of punching yourself in the face. :wacky: