New Nurse Training New Nurse

SarasotaRN2b · Jul 24, 2005

I know that it may sound that it is premature, but one of the ways of learning is by teaching someone else. You've heard the adage "learn one, do one, teach one", right? Think of it as an opportunity to solidify the learning for yourself.

Kris

MedSurgeMess · Jul 24, 2005

if you feel uncomfortable, you should let someone know now. Also, find out who scheduled this and what the motivation is behind it, because it is YOUR license on the line if you are precepting-at least that's how it is in most states. I would also check policy on precepting-where I work, there is a weeklong class that one must take before precepting, as well as employment requirements of preceptor--length of service, attendance, attitude, etc. I would be a little nervous too :stone

julieK · Jul 25, 2005

They have tried putting a student with me, too. The problem is that we have so much new staff on our floor and are losing the more senior staff. It's totally ridiculous and I disagree with it entirely. No nurse in his/her first year (or even two) should have to orient anybody. The only exception I make is if it's not a brand new nurse that is being oriented, but an experienced one who just needs to learn the ropes of our particular unit.

-Julie in NYC

Geeg · Jul 27, 2005

I would try to get out of this totally. If you can't, go to your supervisor and ask that she/he or a CNS or someone with more experience share the responsibility with you. I don't know the whole process at your institution, but usually, there are periodic evaluation summaries due before the orientation is over. I think that a superior should "sign off" on these along the way, so that they can't claim that you are soley responsible for the orientation process and the outcomes. Unfortunately, alot of people don't meet the requirements, and you shouldn't be left "holding the bag" for that.

HappyNurse2005, RN · Jul 28, 2005

I am a new nurse, I graduated in May. My preceptor has been a nurse for a year. I love it. We graduated from teh same school.

She is great. I have learned a lot from her. I don't think the fact that she has been a nurse for only a year makes her any worse or better than any other preceptor.

enfermeria · Jul 28, 2005

I don't think the fact that she has been a nurse for only a year makes her any worse or better than any other preceptor.

To be honest, I would rather have a preceptor who just recently become a nurse rather than having preceptors who have been nurses for years. They are more understanding because they have gone through what I am going through before very recently...

The more experienced and older nurses tend to look down on me and are more strict, TOO serious, and rigid... too caring... like my preceptor during my senior year as a student... although I admire her caring attitude, I feel that she is very strict....

I am glad that my preceptor is young like yours. She is awesome!

enfermeria · Jul 28, 2005

. No nurse in his/her first year (or even two) should have to orient anybody.

I disagree with you.. As a preceptee, I prefer new nurses because they are more generous and lenient. This might be the reason why many preceptors are young in my units.

mattsmom81 · Jul 29, 2005

I would show this person 'the ropes' and orient them to policies, etc...everything you have learned...with the understanding between you that you are a new nurse too; and both of you need to seek out the experienced nurses as resources. :)

I was always the 'orienter' too my first few years out of school...we are excited and enthusiastic at that point...LOL! :)

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 29, 2005

I would show this person 'the ropes' and orient them to policies, etc...everything you have learned...with the understanding between you that you are a new nurse too; and both of you need to seek out the experienced nurses as resources. :)
I was always the 'orienter' too my first few years out of school...we are excited and enthusiastic at that point...LOL! :)

excellent advice. good post!

medicrnohio, RN · Aug 5, 2005

Excellent advice and tips from all. Thank you. I have started orienting this new RN and things are going quite well.

krob0729 · Aug 10, 2005

I have been an RN since March of this year. Last night I found out that they are putting an orientee with me for several weeks starting on July 31st. This person is a brand new RN. Has anyone ever had to trainin a new person so into their own career in nursing?

:uhoh21: i haven't been a nurse 3 months yet, and i've already had to orientate 4 nurses, 2 of which were total disasters and one that i wish i could have sent home myself, one of which has been a nurse for 10 years, and I'm an LVN