[JenRN1983]

Hello to everyone! I will be starting my preceptorship on a cardiac floor tomorrow. This is the last part of nursing school for us! Can you please give me some advice as to what to do...I want the nurse to think that I am capable, since she will be meeting with my teacher sometime in the next couple of weeks to discuss this. I have always been fine in clinicals. I just do not know what she is expecting me to know. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Also, if there is anything I should review before I get there, that would also help!!! Thanks in advance!

[ark-two]

Knowledge is power to a point. From what I've learned, you are best just to show your preceptor you are willing to learn. Ask questions and perform skills. Let the nurse show you and teach you and take on any skills you have not performed or are not proficient at. Let your preceptor know you have never performed these skills and so forth. When I have a preceptor, I like for them to ask questions and be honest, it is a value. The students who are too confident or are too knowlegeable, tend to not be trusted as much at our hospital. It is best to ask and learn than do and fail. Your preceptorship is a learning experience, not a chance to attempt to impress another nurse. Your instructor and preceptor will talk more about your job performance and consistency as opposed to your cardiac knowledge base. The knowledge base comes with experience. Study over your assessment skills, look at your drugs before you give them and understand why you are giving them and if you should give them to your patient. Look at labs and learn.

[Spatialized]

Had a couple of add...
Don't be afraid to ask questions, seeming like a know-it-all will not impress anyone. Also be willing to admit you don't know.
Ask for feedback, try to find a time where you can sit/meet w/your preceptor to get a feel of where you are at. Doing well?/not doing well? Where you can work to make your skills better.
Try to get in to see everything you can, this is a learning expereince, so learn!

Mind you, this is speaking from experience. Tonight is my last night of my preceptorship in the ER, so I'v been there in your shoes so the speak. Making people aware that you are around will get you all sorts of opportuniites as well, like being told there is a great case coming in, or that the doc is going to do something you've never seen before (like a dialysis catheter placement at the bedside), to enhance your learning.

Enjoy and good luck!
Tom

[JenRN1983]

Thank you both for your reply. I am doing what you suggested, and it seems to be working out very well. My nurse is a great fit for me. Thanks again!!