[northshore08]

Originally Posted by heelgal

your quote from Dorothy Sayers- do you know much about her and classical childhood education?

No, but now you've got me interested!! (I just thought it was a great quote!) But CSLewis I am very familiar with.

[withasmilelpn]

Make it seem like her idea. Compliment how smart she is, and how you have learned a lot from her, but that you noticed that she appears frustrated with you. Ask her if she thinks you and her would benefit from you switching to another preceptor, and if she does, who she would recommend. It could be she is frustrated because you are an experienced nurse, she is expecting more of you than if you were a fresh faced new grad. It does sound as if most of your issues are where things are, which will come with time, no matter who your preceptor is. Good luck!

[KimRN41514]

I feel your pain..with our preceptor program, the preceptor and the preceptee meet weekly with the manager to just check in and see how things are going- are you learning what you need to, how are the two of your getting along etc. to help catch mismatches early on. If you feel lost, look around the ER after work. Find out where everything is etc. I agree with the others. Maybe she is an excellent nurse but just isn't a great teacher. I know you will do great because you really WANT to learn. Best of luck!

[BlueHenRN]

Originally Posted by chicagobsn

She truely is so smart, and I have so much to learn, I just wish she was a little more receptive to my needs.

I want to point out that very smart does not equal a great preceptor. Some people may have a great knowledge base, but aren't able to teach others. Often, the "smartest," "best," or "most experienced" staff are chosen to precept, rather than the "best educator." Your preceptor doesn't have to know all the answers, although he or she should know where to find them!
Jess

[withasmilelpn]

Also, as far as participating in a code, you may want to find out how long it was before your preceptor participated in a code. I know my girlfriend first was on the urgent care part of the unit, before she trained in the actual ER. You probably weren't needed at the time and it wasn't a smart use of resources (You!)

[heelgal]

I am humiliated to say I worked in the PICU for nearly 2 years before I was actually involved, from start to finish, in a full code. Chalk it up to timing or excellent patient care on my part (ha ha!). I remember when I brought this up at a staff meeting and no one could believe me. And I am not one to shy away from drama either- it just happened that way.
Believe me, I wish I was a code virgin these days sometimes. Although experiencing and participating in these events are critical in ED and ICU, they are not the entirety of what we do.

[chicagobsn]

Update...yes so soon!

Well, my preceptor was sick today, so I was with another nurse. I thought to myself, ok...good...lets see what happens! Oh-my-goodness...what a difference that made!!!! We talked about where I want to focus in on b4 we began and her and I went through the entire ER so I can find everything I need, and before ya know it, we were slammed and it went pretty smoothly I must say! Half way into my shift today, we were so busy and short ppl, that I just started taking on room 1, then room 2, then helping out the other nurses with their meds, nebs, IVs, labs etc etc.

Man..today was the first day I actually felt like I can do this! I went home with a smile on my face, no lunch, exhausted, feet achin... but...happy!

Gotta say thanks for your support and great advice!

~withasmilelpn~you are so right! I asked about going in on codes and getting to know the routine and found out that my normal preceptor doesnt like codes and will bow out quickly and gracefully when not needed. Plus she feels that is not the time or the place to teach.

I asked, and this nurse has agreed to be my preceptor..so Im with her tomorrow too. What a difference she made for me..with just one shift.

[MassED]

Originally Posted by chicagobsn

Update...yes so soon!

Well, my preceptor was sick today, so I was with another nurse. I thought to myself, ok...good...lets see what happens! Oh-my-goodness...what a difference that made!!!! We talked about where I want to focus in on b4 we began and her and I went through the entire ER so I can find everything I need, and before ya know it, we were slammed and it went pretty smoothly I must say! Half way into my shift today, we were so busy and short ppl, that I just started taking on room 1, then room 2, then helping out the other nurses with their meds, nebs, IVs, labs etc etc.

Man..today was the first day I actually felt like I can do this! I went home with a smile on my face, no lunch, exhausted, feet achin... but...happy!

Gotta say thanks for your support and great advice!

~withasmilelpn~you are so right! I asked about going in on codes and getting to know the routine and found out that my normal preceptor doesnt like codes and will bow out quickly and gracefully when not needed. Plus she feels that is not the time or the place to teach.

I asked, and this nurse has agreed to be my preceptor..so Im with her tomorrow too. What a difference she made for me..with just one shift.

That's so great, I'm sure you feel so much better.

[withasmilelpn]

I'm so happy for you!

[Drysolong]

Originally Posted by chicagobsn

Update...yes so soon!

Well, my preceptor was sick today, so I was with another nurse. I thought to myself, ok...good...lets see what happens! Oh-my-goodness...what a difference that made!!!! We talked about where I want to focus in on b4 we began and her and I went through the entire ER so I can find everything I need, and before ya know it, we were slammed and it went pretty smoothly I must say! Half way into my shift today, we were so busy and short ppl, that I just started taking on room 1, then room 2, then helping out the other nurses with their meds, nebs, IVs, labs etc etc.

Man..today was the first day I actually felt like I can do this! I went home with a smile on my face, no lunch, exhausted, feet achin... but...happy!

Gotta say thanks for your support and great advice!

~withasmilelpn~you are so right! I asked about going in on codes and getting to know the routine and found out that my normal preceptor doesnt like codes and will bow out quickly and gracefully when not needed. Plus she feels that is not the time or the place to teach.

I asked, and this nurse has agreed to be my preceptor..so Im with her tomorrow too. What a difference she made for me..with just one shift.

So glad to hear this!!!