How to ask manager for different preceptor...

[ZootRN]

..tactfully and diplomatically? I'm sure my current preceptor will be totally *issed and will badmouth me behind my back badly. She has been there for years and precepted a number of people. She was very friendly in the beginning, but changed her attitude over the last week, and I am not sure why. Instead of telling me what she is upset with, she brought some twisted stories to the manager of what I have done or have not done. I explained my side of the story, but really do not want to deal with it anymore, since she is so negative toward me. What would you do?

[ZootRN]

If they are not telling you "what exactly the problem is" then I would insist on knowing. There's no sense in being left out in the dark, especially if you are trying to learn the ropes and such. That just doesn't make sense to me. Could it be a personality clash or do you think they just don't think you are a "right fit" for the job? If that's the case, well, maybe you should look for a different position or a different facility. I find it confusing that your manager will NOT tell you what the acual problem is. It does cost the facility money to train new RN's. I find it hard to believe that they wouldn't want to protect their investment in you and try to rectify the situation so that you would want to stay on after you orientation is over. Facilities lose a lot of new nurses after orientation due to problems like these and then they wonder why there is such a high turnover rate at their facility. Just thinking out loud here. I hope everything works out for you. I can only suggest that you not stay in a job that you're truly uncomfortable at. Nursing is stressful enough without all the extra added baggage that comes along with it. Try to see yourself 3-5 years down the road. Is this the facility you really want to work at and is this the type of stuff you want to put up with on a constant basis, etc? Just some food for thought.

I don't think I'll last there very long. I have a contract for a year, and counting every week. And I am not even off orientation yet.

[mamason]

I don't think I'll last there very long. I have a contract for a year, and counting every week. And I am not even off orientation yet.

I'm truly sorry to hear that. I too had a bad experience at my last job. Too much to go into, but, it did have it's perks. I learned how I didn't want to act and so forth. So, maybe after your year is up, you could find a place that you will like. I understand, it's tough being in the position you're in right now. Is there anyway you could possibly get out of your contract if you so desire?